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PubMed1993

Complications of ovulation induction.

Induction of ovulation has its own risks. Since this treatment is elective the physician should be convinced that it is really indicated for the specific patient. Multiple pregnancies still occur in 4 to 15% in in vivo treatment and in 15 to 20% in assisted reproduction. Abortions occur in 20% of the pregnancies achieved. These numbers demonstrate the complexity of induction of ovulation. In recent years the average age of the treated patient has increased, but it is too early to see whether this influences the frequency of complications. The physician should be aware of the possible complications and should remain in contact with the patients at risk after completion of the treatment. The patient should be well informed about the possible complications before starting treatment. At the end of the treatment she should be able to recognize any clinical warning signs of OHSS and inform her physician, in order to be treated appropriately. Further studies of the pathogenesis of OHSS in the future will hopefully lead to more specific treatments or even prevention of this phenomenon. The increasing experience in selective fetal reduction seems to be a practical solution to high rank multifetal gestation, preventing extreme prematurity and its sequelae.

Female↗
PubMed1996

Reproductive toxicity of ovulation induction.

The development of ovulation-inducing drugs has enabled clinicians to more effectively treat the hypothalamic, pituitary, and ovarian abnormalities resulting in infertility. Pregnancy rates have been improved with the use of agents such as clomiphene citrate (CC), human menopausal gonadotropin [hMG or follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) preparations], with gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) and its analogs, stimulating the development of multiple ovarian follicles and increasing the number of fertilizable oocytes. The use of these drugs is not without certain detrimental or "toxic" consequences. The negative effects from superovulation can occur during follicle development, decreasing the number of healthy oocytes and embryos capable of leading to viable pregnancy. Ovulation induction can lead not only to higher incidences of spontaneous abortions, and multiple and ectopic pregnancies, but also to poor pregnancy rates, due, in part, to asynchrony between embryonic development and the uterine environment. Diseases such as ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), resulting in the secretion of supraphysiologic levels of estradiol, can lend to severe health complications, possibly requiring hospitalization. Most drugs used for ovulation induction can lead to OHSS. Although incidences of OHSS following CC use are less frequent, CC has been associated with hot flushes, multiple gestations, visual disturbances, cervical mucus abnormalities, and luteal phase deficiency. Finally, there are reports that link any or all of the ovulation-inducing drugs with a higher incidence of ovarian and breast cancer, however, a cause-effect relationship has yet to be proven.

Endometrium↗
PubMed2002

Oral versus injectable ovulation induction agents for unexplained subfertility.

BACKGROUND: Oral (anti-oestrogens) and injectable (gonadotrophins) ovulation induction agents have been used to increase the number of eggs produced by a woman per cycle in treatment for unexplained subfertility. It is unclear whether there are significant advantages of one type of treatment over the other in this context or in terms of fertility. OBJECTIVES: To assess the efficacy of oral versus injectable ovulation induction agents for unexplained subfertility. SEARCH STRATEGY: The search strategy of the Menstrual Disorders and Subfertility Group was used for the identification of relevant randomised controlled trials. SELECTION CRITERIA: All trials where oral ovulation induction agents were compared with injectable ovulation induction agents in treatment groups generated by randomisation, from couples with unexplained subfertility, were considered for inclusion in the review. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Five randomised controlled trials, including a total of 231 identified couples with unexplained subfertility, were found and included in this review. All trials were assessed for quality criteria. The studied outcomes were pregnancy, live birth, miscarriage, multiple birth, occurrence of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome and cycle cancellation. MAIN RESULTS: Where trials with important co-interventions were excluded, there was no significant difference in the odds of beneficial outcomes for oral versus injectable ovulation induction agents - live birth per couple (OR 0.06, 95%CI 0.00-1.15), pregnancy per woman (OR 0.33, 95%CI 0.09-1.20); nor of detrimental outcomes for injectable versus oral agents - miscarriage (OR 0.11, 95%CI 0.00-2.84); there were no reported cases of multiple births, cases of ovarian hyperstimulation or discontinued cycles consequent upon overstimulation. Where trials with the co-intervention of a human chorionic gonadotrophin trigger injection (given only in the injectable ovulation induction agent treatment arm) were not excluded there was no significant difference in the odds of live birth per couple (OR 0.40, 95%CI 0.15-1.08). However oral ovulation induction agents had significantly reduced odds of pregnancy per woman compared to injectable ovulation induction agents (OR 0.41, 95%CI 0.17-0.80). For detrimental outcomes, there were no significant differences in the odds of miscarriage (OR 0.61, 95%CI 0.09-4.01) and multiple birth (OR 1.08, 95%CI 0.16-7.03) for injectable versus oral agents. No data were available concerning the occurrence of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome nor cycle cancellation. REVIEWER'S CONCLUSIONS: There is insufficient evidence to suggest that oral agents are inferior or superior to injectable agents in the treatment of unexplained subfertility. Information on harms is sketchy, and remains compatible with large differences in either direction. Much larger trials than have previously been undertaken are required to provide information on relative harms as well as benefits.

Administration, Oral↗
PubMed1994

Increased incidence of high-order and singleton conceptions after ovulation induction in winter.

The possible relationship between the season of conception after ovulation induction and high-order multifetal pregnancies, was investigated. From 1975 to 1989, 111 high-order multiple births after ovulation induction were recorded at the Chaim Sheba Medical Center. This group was compared with 142 singleton pregnancies that resulted from induction of ovulation during 1989. Composite monthly cohorts of high-order multifetal pregnancies were constructed for each month of the year, and the probability of such pregnancies was estimated. The period of ovulation induction and the day of presumed conception were noted. A statistically-significant increase in the probability of high-order and singleton conceptions occurred during the winter. Our observation indicates a seasonal pattern in high order and singleton conceptions after ovulation induction.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Effects of ovulation induction on ovarian morphology: an animal study.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate whether the ovulation induction has relation with postneoplastic lesions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seventy-eight female, 90-day-old rats were enrolled for the trial. They were divided into three groups. In the first group, 13 rats received one cycle of ovulation induction with Follitropin Beta and human chorionic gonadotropin. The second group of 13 rats received three cycles of ovulation induction, and the third study group consisted of 13 rats which received six cycles of ovulation induction. Each group had a control group consisting of same number of rats that had not received ovulation induction. At the 12th month after the ovulation induction protocols ended, rat ovaries were extirpated for histopathological examination. In histopathological examination, malignant lesions, ovarian cyst and cyst diameter, epithelial stratification, epithelial tufting, mitotic index, polymorphism of epithelial cells and nucleus, epithelial cell nuclear diameter, chromatin density nuclear atypia, and mitotic activity in ovarian cyst epithelium were evaluated. RESULTS: No malignant ovarian lesion was found in the three groups. Ovarian cyst development was most frequent in the rats that underwent six cycles of ovulation induction. Epithelial stratification and tufting were most frequent in the rats which underwent ovulation induction six times. Significant difference was found between induction and control groups in second and third groups for cellular and nuclear polymorphism, presence of nucleolus, and nuclear chromatin density. CONCLUSIONS: Although development of malignant lesion were not found in any of the rat ovaries after ovulation induction, increase in the prevalence of epithelial dysplasia especially with increase in the number of induction cycles shows that some ovarian pathologies can occur subsequent to ovulation induction.

Animals↗
PubMed2005

Ovulation induction: a mini review.

Ovulation induction is the method for treating anovulatory infertility. For patients with hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism, the treatment involves administration of both FSH and LH, while HCG is injected for follicle rupture. Pulsatile GnRH has the same effectiveness as gonadotrophins and the advantage of the low multiple pregnancy rate. In polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), the first treatment choice is clomiphene citrate. With this drug, in properly selected patients, the cumulative pregnancy rate approaches that of normal women. Low-dose protocols of FSH are the second line of treatment, effective in inducing monofollicular development. Laparoscopic ovarian drilling can be an alternative but not as a first choice treatment in clomiphene-resistant patients. Other treatments, such as pulsatile GnRH and GnRH agonists, are hardly used today in PCOS. However, in obese women with PCOS, weight loss and exercise should be recommended as the first line of therapy. Newer agents including aromatase inhibitors and insulin sensitizers, although promising, need further evaluation.

Aromatase Inhibitors↗
PubMed2005

Patient-tailored conventional ovulation induction algorithms in anovulatory infertility.

Conventional treatment of normogonadotropic anovulatory infertility is ovulation induction using the antiestrogen clomiphene citrate, followed by follicle-stimulating hormone. Multiple follicle development, associated with ovarian hyperstimulation, and multiple pregnancy remain the major complications. Cumulative singleton and multiple pregnancy rate data after different induction treatments are needed. Newer ovulation induction interventions, such as insulin-sensitizing drugs, aromatase inhibitors and laparoscopic ovarian electrocoagulation, should be compared with conventional strategies. Ovulation induction efficiency might improve if patient subgroups with altered chances for success or complications with new or conventional techniques could be identified, using multivariate prediction models based on initial screening characteristics. This would make ovulation induction more cost-effective, safe and convenient, enabling doctors to advise patients on the most effective and patient-tailored treatment strategy.

Algorithms↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Does ovulation induction affect the pregnancy rate after laparoscopic treatment of endometriosis?

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effectiveness of ovulation induction after laparoscopic treatment of endometriosis in an infertile population. DESIGN: An observational prospective study in which infertility cases were treated with laparoscopic surgery was followed up (mean 11 months), either by treatment (ovulation induction) or no further treatment (expectant management) and the outcomes recorded. In both groups pregnancies were compared by Cox's regression survival model. SETTING: Gazi University Hospital, Department of Obstetric and Gynecology, Ankara, Turkey. PATIENTS: Infertile women with different stages of endometriosis who were treated by laparoscopic surgery, with a mean duration of infertility of 80.7 (+/-50 [SD]) months. INTERVENTIONS: Patients were treated by cauterization of the foci, adhesiolysis, endometrioma stripping, and distal tubal reconstruction according to their lesions. Postoperatively, patients had either ovulation induction (clomiphene, hMG) therapy or no further treatment. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Cumulative pregnancy rate of infertile women after laparoscopic treatment of endometriosis with or without ovulation induction. RESULTS: A total of 36 out of 128 patients became pregnant after laparoscopy, with a 34% cumulative pregnancy rate. In the ovulation induction group, relative risk (chance) of pregnancy was 1.42 (1.02-2.05, 95 % CI) when the duration of infertility was less than 5 years. In this lower risk group, the overall cumulative pregnancy rate was 46%--56% and 27% for the ovulation induction and expectant management groups, respectively. In the expectant management group, per cycle fecundity was 0.021, whereas it was 0.066 and 0.174 (p = 0.001) in the clomiphene citrate- and hMG-treated patients, respectively. Expectant management significantly increased the likelihood of pregnancy compared to ovulation induction in previous pregnancy, stage 1 or 2 endometriosis, and no male infertility groups (p = 0.04-0.009). CONCLUSION: After laparoscopic treatment of endometriosis, ovulation induction has a positive effect only if done with hMG and the duration of infertility was less than 5 years (P<.05).

Adult↗
PubMed1990

Accidental hyperstimulation during ovulation induction.

Clinical hyperstimulation is the most serious complication of ovulation induction, occurring in approximately 3% of cases (0.8% in the severe form). Paradoxically, it seems to be rare following in vitro fertilization, probably because all the follicles are aspirated. High-risk patients are those with polycystic ovarian disease, hyperprolactinaemia and hypothyroidism. All forms of ovulation induction have been implicated. Use of LHRH agonists have not reduced the incidence of hyperstimulation and they may even have increased it. An ongoing pregnancy seems to predispose to the occurrence of hyperstimulation, due to the secretion of hCG. Clinically, three stages of hyperstimulation have been described by the WHO (mild, moderate and severe). The pathophysiology is not completely understood, although prostaglandins, histamines and, especially, the ovarian renin-angiotensin system may be involved. Local ovarian complications and thromboembolic complications have also occurred. The treatment of severe hyperstimulation is both symptomatic (fluid replacement, aspiration of effusions, moderate sodium and water restriction, small doses of diuretics) and specific (corticosteroids, aspiration of ovarian cysts, even voluntary interruption of pregnancy in the most serious forms). If the hyperstimulation occurs in the absence of pregnancy, antihistamines or antiprostaglandins can be given. Prevention is exceedingly important. This can be helped by recognition of polycystic ovarian disease and stimulation of these cases by clomiphene citrate or pure FSH associated, for use in in vitro fertilization, with prolonged desensitization using LHRH agonists. Daily ultrasound and hormonal monitoring of ovulation induction is required. When there is excessive response to stimulation, it is prudent not to induce ovulation with hCG or, alternatively, to aspirate all the follicles and freeze the embryos obtained without giving further injections of hCG in the luteal phase. Clinical ovarian hyperstimulation is the classic form of iatrogenic disorder and is the most important complication of ovulation induction treatments, since it can be life-threatening in its most severe form. In this chapter we review current knowledge concerning the frequency, factors associated with its occurrence, clinical aspects, physiopathological mechanisms and, finally, the possibilities for treatment and prevention.

Female↗
PubMed1993

Premature ovarian failure--the prognostic application of autoimmunity on conception after ovulation induction.

OBJECTIVE: To assess whether the presence of autoimmune activity in patients with premature ovarian failure (POF) can predict the response to ovulation induction and conception. DESIGN: Assessment of autoimmune activity in patients with POF, correlating the response to ovulation induction with this autoreactivity. SETTING: Tertiary care academic center. PATIENTS: Forty women with POF, 15 of them treated by ovulation induction because of infertility. INTERVENTIONS: All patients were tested for the presence of autoimmune activity, antibodies against various tissues, and 15 of them were treated with combinations of hMG/hCG, glucocorticosteroids as immunosuppressant, and some of them also with a long-acting GnRH agonist. Those patients not interested in infertility were put on hormone replacement therapy (HRT). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Serum E2 and P were measured during ovulation induction as well as follicular diameter monitoring by transvaginal sonography. Achievement of gestations and their outcome were monitored in the group in which ovulation induction was accomplished. RESULTS: Antibodies against thyroglobulin, nuclear antigens, heart, tissue gluten, or increased levels of immunoglobulin (Ig)M, or decreased levels of complement C3 and C4 were significantly different in the patients with POF than in the control population. Autoreactivity of at least one class of the tested antibodies was found in 31 of 40 patients (77%). In 15 patients with autoimmune activity who have undergone ovulation induction using hMG/hCG, 14 pregnancies were achieved in 8 patients. Two of the pregnancies were spontaneous, and 12 were generated by hMG/hCG and fluocortolone, with or without pretreatment with GnRH-a. Twelve healthy babies were generated by 10 gestations, 3 ended in spontaneous abortions (23%), and 1 is ongoing. All the nonspontaneous pregnancies were achieved in the first three cycles of ovulation induction. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with POF and autoimmune activity, suggesting an autoimmune etiology to the ovarian failure, may respond to ovulation induction and have a conception rate of approximately 40% in three cycles. Those who do not conceive in three treatment cycles have a very low probability to conceive; therefore, further attempts of ovulation induction should be discouraged. However, some patients may spontaneously conceive in association with HRT.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

The evolution of new agents for ovulation induction.

The field of clinical ovulation-induction therapy has remained relatively static for over 30 years. This field promises to benefit from advances in our understanding of the biology of ovulation, and from exciting new work in the areas of molecular and cellular biology and in the biochemistry of steroids, gonadotropins, and their receptors. New therapies with recombinant gonadotropins and their analogues show promise for the near future. Advances in our ability to stimulate and suppress the reproductive axis through central mechanisms also show some promise. In the long term, our understanding of the mechanisms involved in folliculogenesis and oocyte maturation may be combined with an enhanced ability to dissect these processes that lead to disordered ovulation. Our improved understanding of the implantation process may well lead to an ability to create nearly universal nidation in women who are undergoing ART or who have implantation disorders. This article discusses some of the many new opportunities in the clinical and basic science of ovulation induction. New technologies, such as those available through the Human Genome Project, and the use of genetic manipulation of animal models will stimulate additional new avenues of research.

Female↗
PubMed1996

Ovulation induction in the estrogenized anovulatory patient.

Ovulation induction is one of the greatest success stories in reproductive endocrinology. With appropriate therapy in properly f1p4cted patients, the conception and live birth-rates in treated patients are almost indistinguishable from normal. In the estrogenized woman there are many different techniques to reverse the condition of chronic anovulation. With clomiphene citrate, up to 80% of patients will ovulate, and approximately half will conceive. In women who fail clomiphene therapy, injectable gonadotropins are usually successful in inducing ovulation. New protocols for administering these powerful agents have minimized the risk of ovarian hyperstimulation and multiple pregnancy. When medical therapy fails to result in successful ovulatory cycles, surgical treatments can be considered. Laparoscopic ovarian ablation has been shown to be effective treatment. Whether this less invasive surgery results in fewer adhesions than conventional ovarian wedge resection remains to be proven. By carefully considering each patient and individualizing treatment based on a full knowledge of alternatives, ovulation induction remains one of the most challenging and rewarding treatments in reproductive endocrinology.

Anovulation↗
PubMed2005

Laparoscopic "drilling" by diathermy or laser for ovulation induction in anovulatory polycystic ovary syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Problems in inducing ovulation in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and anovulation (failure to ovulate) are well recognised. Surgical ovarian wedge resection was the first established treatment for anovulatory PCOS patients but was largely abandoned due to the risk of post-surgical adhesions and the introduction of medical ovulation induction with clomiphene and gonadotrophins. However patients with PCOS treated with gonadotrophins often have an over-production of follicles and are exposed to the risks of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) and multiple pregnancy. Moreover ovulation induction with gonadotrophins, though effective, is an expensive, inconvenient and time-consuming treatment requiring intensive monitoring. Surgical therapy with laparoscopic ovarian "drilling" (LOD) may avoid or reduce the need for gonadotrophins or may facilitate their use. The procedure can be done on an outpatient basis with less trauma and fewer postoperative adhesions. Many uncontrolled observational studies have claimed that ovarian drilling is followed, at least temporarily, by a high rate of spontaneous ovulation and conception, and/or that subsequent medical ovulation induction becomes easier. OBJECTIVES: To determine the effectiveness and safety of laparoscopic ovarian drilling compared with ovulation induction for subfertile women with clomiphene-resistant PCOS. SEARCH STRATEGY: We used the search strategy of the Menstrual Disorders and Subfertility Group. SELECTION CRITERIA: We included randomised controlled trials of subfertile women with clomiphene-resistant PCOS that undertook laparoscopic ovarian drilling in order to induce ovulation. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Fifteen trials were identified and six were included in the review. All trials were assessed for quality criteria. The primary outcomes were live birth, ovulation and pregnancy rates and the secondary outcomes were rates of miscarriage, multiple pregnancy, ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome and cost. MAIN RESULTS: There was no evidence of a difference in live births or ongoing pregnancies between LOD and gonadotrophins and the pooled Odds Ratio (OR) (all studies) was 1.04 (95% CI 0.74, 1.99) and 1.16 (95% CI 0.72, 1.86) respectively. Multiple pregnancy rates were lower with ovarian drilling than with gonadotrophins (1% vs 16%, OR: 0.13, 95% CI: 0.03 to 0.59). There was no evidence of a difference in miscarriage rates between the two groups (OR 0.81, 955% 0.36, 1.86). AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: There was no evidence of a difference in the live birth rate and miscarriage rate in women with clomiphene resistant PCOS undergoing LOD compared to gonadotrophin treatment. The reduction in multiple pregnancy rates in women undergoing LOD makes this option attractive. However, there are ongoing concerns about long term effects of LOD on ovarian function.

Anovulation↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Effects of in-phase and out-of-phase ovulation induction on early mouse embryos.

The effects of ovulation induction on pre-implantation embryos (day 4 of gestation) were studied in mature cycling mice (the Jcl:ICR strain) using relatively small doses of pregnant mare's serum (PMS)/human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) (2.5 or 5 IU each) given at two different stages (in-phase or out-of-phase to the estrous cycle). The proportion of degenerated embryos was increased and the development of the embryos was retarded in the treated groups, especially in the out-of-phase subgroups. Therefore, we propose that the use of PMS/HCG for ovulation induction should be more restricted in mouse reproductive experiments when mature females are used, and that, even when ovulation induction is used, a treatment synchronized to the spontaneous estrous cycle should be elected.

Animals↗
PubMed1981

Monitoring of ovulation induction with human menopausal gonadotropin and human chorionic gonadotropin by ultrasound.

Ovarian follicular growth was monitored by ultrasound and plasma estradiol levels in 43 cycles of 27 patients. These women were treated with human menopausal gonadotropin (hMG) and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) for anovulation or poor cervical mucus. Ultrasonography can help to prevent multiple pregnancies by allowing the withholding of the ovulatory injection of hCG if the number of mature follicles is too great. Nevertheless, mild to moderate hyperstimulation cannot always be prevented; it is sometimes the price one has to pay to obtain a pregnancy. Giving a direct view of follicular maturation, this method can be helpful in the determination of the best time for the induction of ovulation.

Chorionic Gonadotropin↗
PubMed2004

The effects of ovulation induction during infertility treatment on gingival inflammation.

BACKGROUND: Ovulation induction is the most common method of infertility treatment in which the ovaries are stimulated to produce multiple follicles. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of three drug protocols of ovulation induction: clomiphene citrate (CC) alone, CC combined with follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), and CC combined with human menopausal gonadotropin (HMG) on the gingival tissues of women who were undergoing infertility treatment. METHODS: Study population was composed of 18 women using CC for three menstrual cycles or less and 16 women using CC for more than three cycles; 21 women using CC-FSH; and 24 women using CC-HMG who had at least four cycles of CC alone the previous year. All subjects were clinically examined for plaque levels (plaque index), gingival inflammation (gingival index), bleeding on probing, and gingival crevicular fluid volume. The results were compared with a control group of 20 women matched for age, educational and professional level, and oral habits and who had never used ovulation drugs. RESULTS: Despite similar plaque levels (P>0.05), women using CC for more than three cycles and combined protocols of CC-FSH and CC-HMG had higher levels of gingival inflammation (P<0.01, P<0.001 and P<0.001, respectively), bleeding (P<0.001), and GCF volume (P<0.001) when compared to the control group and to the users of CC for three cycles or less. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study have shown that ovulation induction, which is the most common method in the management of infertility, exacerbates gingival inflammation, bleeding, and GCF volume and that the duration of the usage of these drugs is strongly associated with the severity of gingival inflammation.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1994

Heterotopic ovarian pregnancy after clomiphene ovulation induction.

Heterotopic pregnancy is a life threatening condition which seems to occur more frequently than previously estimated. We report a case of combined ovarian and intrauterine pregnancy after clomiphene treatment. Diagnosis was delayed because clinical presentation was atypical and ultrasound was falsely reassuring. The neonate was healthy but presented with a single umbilical artery. When an ectopic gestation is suspected after induction of ovulation or assisted reproductive technologies the presence of an intrauterine pregnancy can no longer be considered reassuring and an heterotopic pregnancy has to be ruled out.

Adult↗
PubMed2005

Effect of eCG dose and ovulation induction treatments on embryo recovery and in vitro development post-vitrification in two selected lines of rabbit does.

The aim of this work was to evaluate the effect of different doses of eCG administered subcutaneously (0, 50 and 200 IU) and the hormonal induction of ovulation (GnRH or hCG) on embryo recovery and in vitro development of embryos post-vitrification in two selected lines of rabbit does. The two selected lines were line V (selected for the litter size at weaning) and line R (selected for growth rate). Administration of 200 IU of eCG significantly increased ovulation rate (19.2 +/- 1.2 versus 15.5 +/- 1.1 and 12.2 +/- 1.3, and the number of haemorrhagic follicles (13.8+/-1.6 versus 3.8+ /- 1.4 and 3.8 +/- 1.7), but significantly decreased recovery rate (28.8 +/- 6.3 versus 47.7 +/- 5.7 and 48.7 +/- 6.7, 200 IU versus 50 IU and 0 IU eCG, respectively), the number of normal embryos recovered per doe with at least one embryo (5.8 +/- 0.9 versus 8.2 +/- 0.9, 200 IU versus 50 IU eCG doses) and the in vitro development of embryos post-vitrification (51.9% versus 66.1%, 200 IU versus 50 IU eCG doses, respectively). Inducing ovulation with hCG significantly increased ovulation rate when compared with GnRH (17.3 +/- 0.8 versus 13.8+/-1.4), but no significant differences in embryo recovery and embryo development post-vitrification were observed between the two treatments. No significant differences were observed between the two selected lines in ovulation and recovery rates, the number of haemorrhagic follicles and the number of recovered embryos per doe. However, the post-vitrification in vitro rate of development was 59.7% for line R and 51.9% for line V (p < 0.05). It was concluded that the use of 50 IU of eCG subcutaneous with hCG or GnRH prior to embryo cryopreservation programmes in rabbits achieves the best results for embryo recovery, with the best development of recovered embryos post-vitrification.

Animals↗