Human embryo associated immunosuppressor factor and serum estradiol synergism in ovarian follicle development.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to test whether the level of serum immunosuppressor factor (EASF) correlates with ovarian follicle development and with serum hormones during the ovarian cycle.


METHODS
One hundred seventy-three serum samples were collected starting at the time of ovulation and 1 wk after insemination from 29 women attempting pregnancy by ovarian hyperstimulation and intrauterine insemination. After ovarian stimulation, the patients were given human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) 38 h before insemination. Number and size of follicles were measured by ultrasound. Serum samples were tested for hCG, estradiol (E2), luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and progesterone levels. The level of EASF in patients' sera was assayed using a two-site sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay system. The levels of different hormones and EASF were then correlated among themselves and with the number of ovarian follicles.


RESULTS
Eleven out of 29 patients had detectable levels of serum EASF-Patients positive for EASF had a significantly higher number ovarian follicles > or = 13 mm and E2 levels after hCG treatment as compared to patients with no detectable EASF. The levels of EASF correlated with number of follicles (P = .001), blood E2 (P < .02) and FSH levels (P < .02). Number of follicles > or = 13 mm correlated with E2 (P = .01) and FSH levels (P < .01) only in patients positive for EASF.


CONCLUSIONS
The levels of EASF, E2; and FSH may act synergistically in the development of ovarian follicles.
Bose
R
R
Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences, University of Manitoba Winnipeg, Canada.
Kredentser
J V
JV
McCoshen
J A
JA
D006063:Chorionic Gonadotropin / Q000097:blood; D004797:Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; D004958:Estradiol / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone / Q000097:blood; D006801:Humans; D007986:Luteinizing Hormone / Q000097:blood; D006080:Ovarian Follicle / Q000502:physiology*; D011247:Pregnancy / Q000502:physiology*; D011374:Progesterone / Q000097:blood; D013491:Suppressor Factors, Immunologic / Q000097:blood / Q000502:physiology*
D006063:Chorionic Gonadotropin; D013491:Suppressor Factors, Immunologic; D011374:Progesterone; D004958:Estradiol; D007986:Luteinizing Hormone; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone