Elevated follicular fluid angiotensin II and pregnancy outcome.
OBJECTIVE
To assess whether a relationship exists between follicular fluid (FF) angiotensin II (AII) concentration and pregnancy outcome or earlier fecundity parameters and whether correlations exist among FF AII concentrations and P, E2, T, androstenedione (A), or various ratios of these.


METHODS
Retrospective study in which hormone concentrations in FF samples were measured.


METHODS
In vitro fertilization clinic-Assisted Reproductive Technology Program, Rush Medical Center.


METHODS
Twenty-six female patients underwent ovarian stimulation for IVF.


METHODS
Leuprolide acetate was combined with hMG and FSH for ovarian stimulation.


METHODS
Follicular fluid aspirates were collected and oocytes were recovered 34 to 36 hours after hCG injection. The patients proceeded to undergo IVF and ET. Follicular fluid hormones were measured using standard RIA. Angiotensin II and steroid hormone concentrations in FF were compared for pregnant versus nonpregnant women using the Student's t-test and rank-sum test. Pearson multiple-correlation analysis was performed to calculate correlation coefficients among AII concentrations and steroid concentrations in FF aspirates.


RESULTS
Mean FF concentration of AII was significantly lower in samples from women showing clinical pregnancies (112.2 +/- 13.9 pg/mL [107.3 +/- 13.3 pmol/L]) compared with samples from women who did not achieve pregnancy (217.1 +/- 23.8 pg/mL [207.5 +/- 22.7 pmol/L]) (mean +/- SE). A negative correlation was observed between FF concentrations of AII and P. Correlations of AII with E2, T, A, or with ratios of these did not show significance.


CONCLUSIONS
These data suggest that high AII concentration at time of oocyte recovery may indicate poor pregnancy outcome in women undergoing ovarian stimulation for IVF. These data corroborate previous results in animal models showing that AII predisposes follicles to undergo atresia-like conditions.
Heimler
I
I
Department of Biological Sciences, University of Wisconsin--Milwaukee, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee.
Rawlins
R G
RG
Binor
Z
Z
Aiman
J
J
Raff
H
H
Hutz
R J
RJ
D000328:Adult; D000735:Androstenedione / Q000032:analysis; D000804:Angiotensin II / Q000032:analysis*; D004958:Estradiol / Q000032:analysis; D005260:Female; D005307:Fertilization in Vitro; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone / Q000008:administration & dosage; D015571:Follicular Fluid / Q000737:chemistry*; D006801:Humans; D008596:Menotropins / Q000008:administration & dosage; D010062:Ovulation Induction; D011247:Pregnancy; D011256:Pregnancy Outcome; D011374:Progesterone / Q000032:analysis; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013739:Testosterone / Q000032:analysis
D000804:Angiotensin II; D013739:Testosterone; D000735:Androstenedione; D011374:Progesterone; D004958:Estradiol; D008596:Menotropins; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone