Gonadotropin responsiveness to ultralow-dose leuprolide acetate administration in baboons.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the gonadotropin response to ultralow doses of a GnRH agonist, leuprolide acetate (LA).


METHODS
Prospective and cross-controlled.


METHODS
Primate research center.


METHODS
Four reproductive age cycling baboons (Papio cyanocephalus).


METHODS
Three different doses of LA were given intravenously to each animal followed by serial sampling.


METHODS
Response patterns of circulating serum gonadotropin levels.


RESULTS
All four animals responded to each of the three doses of LA in a dose-dependent fashion. Levels of LH and FSH peaked at 49.5 +/- 2.6 mIU/mL and 72.5 +/- 3.4 mIU/mL, respectively, for the highest dose studied (0.17 microgram/kg). Levels of LH peaked earlier but were lower than the FSH peak levels.


CONCLUSIONS
Supraphysiological levels of gonadotropins are attained after the administration of ultralow doses of LA. The level of the response is dose-dependent and is in the range that is required to attain controlled ovarian hyperstimulation.
Scott
R T
RT
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wilford Hall, USAF Medical Center, Lackland AFB, Texas 78236.
Carey
K D
KD
Leland
M
M
Navot
D
D
D000704:Analysis of Variance; D000818:Animals; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D005260:Female; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone / Q000097:blood*; D016729:Leuprolide / Q000494:pharmacology*; D007986:Luteinizing Hormone / Q000097:blood*; D008597:Menstrual Cycle; D010215:Papio; D012741:Sexual Maturation; D013997:Time Factors
D007986:Luteinizing Hormone; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone; D016729:Leuprolide