Controlled ovarian hyperstimulation in assisted reproduction: effect on the immune system.
OBJECTIVE
To determine how controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH) in assisted reproduction affects the immune system.


METHODS
A prospective, nonrandomized, case-control study.


METHODS
Academic research setting.


METHODS
Women with regular menstrual cycles undergoing COH in an assisted reproduction program.


METHODS
Blood samples were collected in the early and late follicular phase, at the time of ovulation, and in the luteal phase during a natural cycle, and at four times during the next cycle, which included COH and IVF.


METHODS
Lymphocyte subpopulations and the differential blood count.


RESULTS
In the natural cycles, a significant increase in the total numbers of lymphocytes, B cells, natural killer cells, and CD3+HLADR+ cells was observed in the late follicular phase, whereas the T helper/T suppressor cell ratio declined. In the hyperstimulated cycles, increases were seen in the total numbers of leukocytes and neutrophils on the day of hCG administration; the number of lymphocytes, monocytes, and neutrophils was increased on the day of oocyte retrieval, and the total number of leukocytes and neutrophils increased during the luteal phase.


CONCLUSIONS
Controlled ovarian hyperstimulation with hMG and simultaneous administration of a GnRH antagonist did not affect the immune system.
Giuliani
A
A
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Graz, Austria. giuliani@balu.kfunigraz.ac.at
Schoell
W
W
Auner
J
J
Urdl
W
W
D016022:Case-Control Studies; D004624:Embryo Transfer; D005260:Female; D005307:Fertilization in Vitro; D005498:Follicular Phase / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D007107:Immune System; D008183:Luteal Phase / Q000276:immunology; D016471:Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome / Q000276:immunology*; D010060:Ovulation / Q000276:immunology