Search PubMed⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search PubMed

Results for “FSH”

Search indexed PubMed citations on genomics, clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health. Explore titles, authors and supplied subject terms, then open the PubMed record.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 613 records · Page 34Linked to original sources
PubMed1999

FSH levels in relation to hysterectomy and to unilateral oophorectomy.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the association between hysterectomy, unilateral oophorectomy, and ovarian status, measured by FSH concentrations, in women aged 35-49 years. METHODS: From the National Health and Examination Survey III, 1716 women aged 35-49 years were studied. Information on menopausal status, surgical history (hysterectomy, single or bilateral oophorectomy), smoking, and other characteristics was collected in a structured interview, height and weight were measured, and one blood sample was collected. We used logistic regression to analyze FSH concentration in relation to hysterectomy and oophorectomy, controlling for age, ethnicity, body mass index, smoking, education, nulligravidity, and exercise. RESULTS: Hysterectomy with unilateral oophorectomy was associated with an increased prevalence of elevated FSH (above 20 IU/L) (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 2.4, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.3, 4.6) compared with women who had not had hysterectomies or oophorectomies. Among women with two ovaries, hysterectomy was associated with increased prevalence of elevated FSH (adjusted OR 1.5, 95% CI 1.0, 2.5). As a comparison of the effect size, the observed association between hysterectomy and elevated FSH was smaller than the association between FSH and current smoking (OR 2.0), a factor associated with a 1-2 year decrease in mean age at natural menopause. CONCLUSION: Although the differences in FSH levels were small, there was evidence of elevated FSH in women who have had hysterectomies, even if at least one ovary remained.

Adult↗
PubMed1998

Superstimulation of ovarian follicular growth with FSH oocyte recovery, and embryo production from Zebu (Bos indicus) calves: effects of treatment with a GnRH agonist or antagonist.

The capacity of heifer calves of a late sexually maturing Zebu (Bos indicus) genotype to respond to superstimulation with FSH at a young age and in vitro oocyte development were examined. Some calves were treated with a GnRH agonist (deslorelin) or antagonist (cetrorelix) to determine whether altering plasma concentrations of LH would influence follicular responses to FSH and oocyte developmental competency. Brahman calves (3-mo-old; 140 +/- 3 kg) were randomly assigned to 3 groups: control (n = 10); deslorelin treatment from Day -8 to 3 (n = 10); and cetrorelix treatment from Day -3 to 2 (n = 10). All calves were stimulated with FSH from Day 0 to 2, and were ovariectomized on Day 3 to determine follicular responses to FSH and to recover oocytes for in vitro procedures. Before treatment with FSH, heifers receiving deslorelin had greater (P < 0.001) plasma LH (0.30 +/- 0.01 ng/ml) than control heifers (0.17 +/- 0.02 ng/ml), while plasma LH was reduced (P < 0.05) in heifers treated with cetrorelix (0.13 +/- 0.01 ng/ml). Control heifers had a surge release of LH during treatment with FSH, but this did not occur in heifers treated with deslorelin or cetrorelix. All heifers had large numbers of follicles > or = 2 mm (approximately 60 follicles) after superstimulation with FSH, and there were no differences (P > 0.10) between groups. Total numbers of oocytes recovered and cultured also did not differ (P > 0.05) for control heifers and heifers treated with deslorelin or cetrorelix. Fertilization and cleavage rates were similar for the 3 groups, and developmental rates to blastocysts were also similar. Zebu heifers respond well to superstimulation with FSH at a young age, and their oocytes are developmentally competent.

Animals↗
PubMed1999

The time interval between FSH administration and ovarian aspiration influences the development of cattle oocytes.

Depriving the ovary of exogenous FSH for 1, 2 or 3 d following a bolus injection of FSH was shown to influence the quality of the recovered oocytes. Thus, we compared the developmental competence of oocytes from heifers which had been stimulated for 3 d with FSH (Folltropin-V) and, after an interval of 36, 48 or 60 h, underwent blind transvaginal aspiration. The ovaries of heifers with a palpable or functional corpus luteum were aspirated to remove all large follicles 2 d prior to being injected with either 6 doses of saline (S), 6 doses (20 mg/mL) of FSH (F), or in 6 decreasing doses of FSH (3, 3, 2, 2, 1, 1 mL; Fd). Follicles were counted and classified (medium: 5 to 10 mm, large: >10 mm) with ultrasonography before each aspiration. The oocytes recovered were classified, matured, fertilized, and developed in vitro. On a per animal basis, 1.5, 5.2 and 4.7 large and 1.5, 10.7 and 10.7 medium follicles were counted for S, F and Fd, respectively. A mean of 3.3, 9.1 and 7.7 oocytes was recovered for treatments S, F and Fd, respectively and 58, 94 and 82% were enclosed in a nonexpanded cumulus or a corona layer. Oocyte development rates were based on counts of embryos with 32 or more nuclei at Day 6.5. When oocytes were recovered 36 h after the last injection, an average of 1, 2.7 and 2 embryos per animal was obtained with S, F and Fd, respectively; at 48 h, 0.75, 4.25 and 1 embryo; and at 60 h, 0, 2.5 and 2.7 embryos. Variance analysis was performed, and the protected LSD test indicated that treatment F at 48 h resulted in a significantly higher embryo rate than Fd at 48 h (P<0.05) or S (all times; P<0.05). The reduced effect of the Fd regimen could be due to the decreasing FSH support during follicular growth or to the lower total amount of FSH given. In conclusion, these results indicate an advantage of using moderate (3 d) follicle stimulation followed by a period of FSH starvation to obtain optimal embryo production.

Animals↗
PubMed2002

Evidence that MMP-2 and TIMP-2 are at play in the FSH-induced changes in Sertoli cells.

FSH has been shown to elicit in vitro changes in the Sertoli cell cytoskeleton through involving proteases, and cytochalasin-D mimics FSH. Testis extracts were screened (RT-PCR) for various metalloproteinases (MMPs), 20-day-old rat Sertoli cells were purified, cultured and treated with FSH, cytochalasin D and TNFalpha (to antagonize FSH action). Cell shape (phase-contrast microscopy) and levels for MMP-2 (gelatin zymography) and its inhibitor TIMP-2 (Northern and Western blot) were monitored. TNFalpha-treated cells spread readily and grew larger than FSH-treated cells. Cytochalasin-D mimicked FSH, and MMP-2 production and TIMP-2 gene expression were augmented. Interestingly, TNFalpha reversed FSH- and cytochalasin D-induced effects both on cell shape and on MMP-2 and TIMP-2. These effects occurred during the first 48 h of culture, when Sertoli cells migrated from the freshly dispersed aggregates, but not once cells were organized in monolayers. MMP-2 and TIMP-2 are likely involved in the FSH-induced changes in Sertoli cells.

Animals↗
PubMed2002

Effectiveness of an antagonist to gonadotrophin releasing hormone on the FSH and LH response to GnRH in perifused equine pituitary cells, and in seasonally acyclic mares.

We wish to use a gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) antagonist in the mare as a tool for investigating the control of the oestrous cycle. The aim of this study was to test the effectiveness of the antagonist cetrorelix by testing both in vitro, using perifused equine anterior pituitary cells, and in vivo in seasonally acyclic mares. Pituitary cells were prepared and after 3-4 days incubation, loaded onto columns and given four pulses of GnRH (at 0, 30, 60 and 90 min; dose-response study). After the second GnRH pulse, infusion of cetrorelix began (0, 100, 1000 and 2000 pmol/l) and continued until the end of the experiment. To mimic luteal phase conditions, cells were pre-incubated and perifused with progesterone (25 nmol/l) and GnRH pulses given at 0, 90, 180 and 270 min. Cetrorelix (0 or 1000 pmol/l) began after the second GnRH pulse. Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) concentrations were measured in 5 min fractions. Both FSH and LH response areas (above baseline) after GnRH were inhibited by 1000 pmol/l cetrorelix (P < 0.01, P < 0.01, respectively) but not by 100 pmol/l cetrorelix. Similarly, in the presence of progesterone, cetrorelix inhibited the FSH (P < 0.001) and LH (P = 0.0002) response area. Seasonally acyclic mares, pre-treated for 3 days with progesterone (150 mg i.m. per day) were given cetrorelix as (i) a loading dose of 1 microg/kg then infusion at 2.2 ng/(kg min) for 90 min, (ii) a s.c. injection at 20 microg/kg, (iii) infusion at 2.2 ng/(kg min) for 48 h, and (iv) no cetrorelix (control mares). At 90 min, 6, 24 and 48 h after cetrorelix was first administered, mares were given a bolus injection of GnRH (22.2 ng/kg i.v.) and the FSH and LH responses measured. All doses of cetrorelix inhibited the FSH response at 90 min. The response was no longer suppressed at 6 h in the 90 min infusion group, showing a rapid recovery from inhibition. At 24 h, the FSH responses in the injected and 48 h infusion group were suppressed. The LH concentrations were low and showed no significant changes. This study has defined the time course and dose of cetrorelix with respect to its effect on FSH in the horse. It is concluded that cetrorelix could be used to elucidate the role of FSH in follicular development in cyclic mares.

Animals↗
PubMed1997

Difference of LH and FSH secretory characteristics and degree of concordance between postmenopausal and aging women.

OBJECTIVE: Several neuroendocrine changes occur at menopause and the present study aimed to verify whether the episodic release and the degree of concordance of LH and FSH differs between early and late postmenopausal women. METHODS: Postmenopausal (n = 32) women were enrolled and subdivided in two groups according to the menopausal age: group A (n = 22), patients with more than 2 but less than 5 years from the occurrence of menopause; group B (n = 10), patients with more than 15 years from the occurrence of menopause. All subjects underwent a pulsatility study (4 h, sampling every 10 min) to assess LH and FSH secretory characteristics and their degree of concordance. RESULTS: Mean +/- S.E.M. LH and FSH plasma levels were lower in older women than in postmenopausal women (P < 0.01). The secretory pattern was pulsatile for both LH and FSH and their pulse amplitudes were lower in aged women (P < 0.01). No significant difference was observed in terms of pulse frequency between the two groups. LH and FSH pulses were co-secreted in early postmenopausal women while such a concordance was lost in older women. CONCLUSIONS: Late postmenopause is characterized by the reduction of the amplitude of gonadotropin pulses in comparison to women in early postmenopause, reflecting changes of both GnRH secretion and/or pituitary responsiveness to GnRH. The age-related loss of concordance between LH and FSH pulses discloses the existence of a hidden FSH stimulating system, which drives FSH episodic release independently and more promptly than GnRH.

Aging↗
PubMed1998

The effect of hysterectomy and endometrial ablation on follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) levels up to 1 year after surgery.

OBJECTIVES: In this study the hypothesis was tested, that in premenopausal patients FSH-levels would rise after 'simple hysterectomy'. As endometrial ablation is not supposed to compromise ovarian bloodflow, there would be no such change in ablated patients. METHODS: Between January 1995 and April 1996, consecutive premenopausal patients with dysfunctional uterine bleeding who were scheduled for hysterectomy or endometrial ablation were asked to participate in the study. Bloodsamples were drawn before surgery, six weeks, six months and one year after surgery. FSH and oestradiol (E2) were assayed. In all patients data about length and weight were collected to calculate Body Mass Index (BMI). Every visit patients filled in a questionnaire, containing questions about typical climacteric complaints, combined in a five-point scale. RESULTS: Except for a significant difference in preoperative FSH-level between both groups, there were no significant differences regarding age, Body Mass Index (BMI), oestradiol (E2) or the percentage of women with vasomotor complaints. Compared to the preoperative starting level, six weeks, six months and one year after surgery a significant rise in serum FSH in the hysterectomy group, as well as in the ablation group was found. However there was no significant difference in FSH increase between both groups. One third of the patients in both groups had typical climacteric complaints as flushing and nocturnal sweating. CONCLUSIONS: Assaying serum FSH-levels before and after uterine surgery and comparing hysterectomized patients and patients after endometrial ablation, we found a significant rise in FSH-level up to one year after surgery in both groups postoperatively, indicating impaired ovarian function. There was no difference in FSH-levels between both groups. Therefore major uterine surgery (hysterectomy, ablation) may prelude an earlier onset of menopause.

Adult↗
PubMed1998

Immunization of sheep against GnRH early in life: effects on gonadotropins, follicular growth and responsiveness of granulosa cells to FSH and IGF-I in two breeds of sheep with different prolificacy (Romanov and Ile-de-France).

The profile Romanov (R, ovulation rate = 3) and non-prolific Ile-de-France (IF, ovulation rate = 1) breeds were compared for their ovarian sensitivity to gonadotropins and IGF-I before puberty. For this purpose, the effects of in vivo immunization against GnRH on populations of ovarian follicles and in vitro sensitivity of granulosa cells to FSH and IGF-I were studied in prepuberal lambs from both breeds. Seventeen prepuberal lambs of each breed were actively immunized against GnRH between 3 wk and 6 mo of age. Relative to untreated lambs, FSH levels at 4, 5, and 6 mo of age were (respectively) 41%, 25% and 29% for IF, and 43%, 24%, and 36% for R lambs. In a first experiment, histological analysis of ovaries was performed. Immunization treatment decreased the number of small (100-390 microns in diameter) and large size follicles (< 1500 microns) in both breeds at 6 mo of age. In both breeds, gonadotropin (FSH-LH-hCG) treatment increased the number of large size follicles (< 1500 microns in diameter) and induced the formation of preovulatory follicles in immunized as well as untreated lambs. The ovulation rate was less in immunized animals, but it was not different between breeds. In a second experiment, the effects of FSH and IGF-I were studied on granulosa cells from follicles between 1000 and 2000 microns in diameter. In both breeds, IGF-I increased granulosa cell proliferation, but enhanced progesterone secretion was observed only in R lambs after FSH and IGF-I stimulation. Granulosa cell response to FSH treatment was lost by immunization, whereas response to IGF-I remained unchanged in both breeds. These results indicate that long-term immunization of prepuberal lambs against GnRH reduced systemic concentrations of FSH, follicular development, and response to gonadotropins in vivo, similarly in the prolific R and the non-prolific IF breed. However, granulosa cells from R lambs had higher steroidogenic capacities and were more responsive to FSH. In addition, these results suggest that IGF-I could play an important role in regulating growth of small follicles both in immunized and non-immunized lambs.

Animals↗
PubMed1999

Effect of exogenous FSH on ovulation rate in homozygous carriers or noncarriers of the Booroola FecB gene after hypothalamic-pituitary disconnection or after treatment with a GnRH agonist.

We have tested the hypothesis "that the ovulation rate in homozygous carriers (BB) and noncarriers (+2) of the Booroola FecB gene would not be different if the plasma concentrations of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) in the two genotypes were similar." For this purpose we used two experimental animal models: 1) the hypothalamic-pituitary disconnected (HPD) ovary-intact ewe; and 2) and GnRH agonist (i.e., Deslorelin)-treated ewe. Following HPD or Deslorelin treatment, the animals had low plasma concentrations of gonadotropins and were anovulatory. In both animal models, BB and +2 ewes were treated with exogenous pregnant mares serum gonadotropin (PMSG) and varying doses of FSH to induce preovulatory follicular growth, and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) to induce ovulation. HPD or Deslorelin-treated animals administered with pregnant mares serum gonadotropin without FSH followed by human chorionic gonadotropin failed to ovulate. However for both animal models, the proportion of BB and +2 ewes ovulating to various doses of FSH differed such that significantly greater proportions of +2 animals ovulated relative to the BB genotype (P < 0.05). When HPD or Deslorelin-treated BB and +2 ewes were administered identical doses of FSH, the mean ovulation rate and plasma concentrations of FSH in those animals which ovulated was the same in both genotypes. These findings confirm, at least in part, the aforementioned hypothesis. The results also demonstrated that higher ovulation rates were obtained in both genotypes as the FSH dose was increased. Collectively, these findings infer that the higher mean ovulation rate in normal intact BB ewes compared to the +2 genotype is attributable to effects of the FecB gene at the level of ovarian follicular development as well as at the level of pituitary FSH release.

Animals↗
PubMed2001

Humoral mechanisms in prostate cancer: A role for FSH.

The natural history of prostate cancer has long been related to the male hormone testosterone, and treatment has focused on depletion of this androgen to slow or prevent growth of prostate cancer tissue. It has become clear recently, however, that more than androgens influence the progression of prostate cancer, with recent interest focusing on the gonadotropin, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). Research of the last decade has found that FSH is produced in and FSH receptors are expressed in the prostate. Investigators have found as well that production of FSH is altered in prostate cancer: FSH levels are increased and receptor production raised in the cancerous prostate. It also has been shown that there are endogenous compounds such as prostatic inhibin peptin that can modulate FSH levels. All of these findings are outlined in this paper, and suggest that FSH may affect the pathogenesis and progression of prostate cancer and that altering FSH production may prove to be an active therapeutic maneuver.

Journal Article↗
PubMed2004

FSH isoform composition of commercial gonadotrophin preparations: a neglected aspect?

The clinical efficacy of commercial gonadotrophin preparations has been the subject of an intense debate during recent years. Arguments have primarily focused on the origin of FSH activity (urine versus recombinant derived) and whether the preparation included LH-like activity. FSH isoform composition has received little or no attention, and is usually considered to have negligible effect on clinical effectiveness. By presenting the available data on the FSH isoform composition of commercial gonadotrophin preparations, the present paper challenges this assumption. To evaluate whether the FSH isoform composition affected the efficacy of a product, a meta-analysis was performed that compared a preparation expressing an acidic isoform profile (urinary-derived Metrodin-HP) with a preparation rich in less acidic isoforms (recombinant derived Gonal F). A total of five randomized clinical trials that specifically compared these two preparations was identified and included in the analysis. All parameters relating to the direct effect of FSH on the follicle differed significantly in favour of the product rich in less acidic isoforms, while data on pregnancy outcome did not reach significance. The importance of the FSH isoform profile and whether the FSH is derived from urine or by recombinant technique is discussed in relation to clinical efficacy. It is suggested that the FSH isoform profile of commercial gonadotrophin preparations is of clinical importance and should be taken into account when evaluating efficacy.

Carbohydrates↗
PubMed2000

Generic human menopausal gonadotropin (hMG) in place of more costly follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) for routine ovulation induction.

PURPOSE: A large part of infertility treatment involves the use of exogenous gonadotropins. The last decade has seen a progressive switch from human menopausal gonadotropin (hMG), the original gonadotropin product, to progressively more costly products, primarily or exclusively containing follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). Though obviously at least in part driven by marketing efforts of pharmaceutical companies, this switch has received relatively little scrutiny despite its obvious cost implications. We therefore investigated whether a switch back to a generic or less costly hMG-driven ovulation induction protocol would affect patient outcome after ovulation induction and, by implications, with other assisted reproductive technologies. METHODS: We prospectively studied clinical pregnancy rates in a large number of consecutive ovulation induction cycles in a well-defined patient population (group 1) which, after October of 1997, had been switched from a predominantly FSH to an hMG-driven protocol, based on an institutional formulary change. Until a transition period (between July and September 1997), this patient population had been on a primarily FSH-driven protocol (between July 1996 and June 1997). In parallel, we evaluated a second patient population (group 2), which was managed by the same physicians outside of formulary requirements and remained almost exclusively on principally FSH-driven ovulation induction cycles. RESULTS: FSH- and hMG-driven ovulation induction protocols did not differ in pregnancy outcome during the prospective study period. Group 1 patients, however, demonstrated a significant increase in pregnancy rates after the switch from FSH to hMG stimulation had taken place (P = 0.02), while group 2 patients demonstrated no change in pregnancy rate during the same time period. CONCLUSIONS: Generic hMG products do not adversely affect pregnancy rates in comparison to more costly FSH products in routine ovulation induction cycles and should be considered an appropriate alternative to more expensive FSH products.

Female↗
PubMed1997

Endogenous LH surge versus hCG as ovulation trigger after low-dose highly purified FSH in IUI: a comparison of 761 cycles.

PURPOSE: The results obtained with a protocol consisting of ovarian stimulation with low doses of highly purified FSH (FSH HP), administration of a GnRH analogue to induce an endogenous surge of gonadotropins, and IUI were evaluated. These results were compared with those seen with similar FSH stimulation and hCG administration followed by IUI. METHODS: Three hundred sixty-four patients scheduled for IUI, after inclusion in a total of 345 FSH HP/GnRH-stimulated cycles and 416 FSH HP/HCG-stimulated cycles, were studied. The stimulation protocol consisted of daily subcutaneous injection of 75 IU of FSH HP from day 3 or 5 of the cycle, depending on the duration of the spontaneous cycle. hCG was administered on days 0, +2, and +5 to support the luteal phase. Monitoring was conducted using circulating estradiol levels and vaginal ultrasonography. Administration of two s.c. doses of leuprolide acetate (LA) or 7500 IU of i.m. hCG when at least one 18-mm-diameter follicle was seen and estradiol levels reached 120 pg/ml per follicle with a diameter > or = 16 mm. Intrauterine insemination was with semen capacitated by swim-up, thawed at room temperature if previously frozen. RESULTS: The ovulation rate was 99.28 after hCG and 99.23 with LA. No significant differences were seen between the estradiol and progesterone levels of both groups or in the estradiol/progesterone ratio. The duration of the luteal phase was similar in both groups. Pregnancy rates per cycle were 17.31% (hCG) and 27.25% (LA), respectively (P = 0.0007), and abortion rates 22.22% (hCG) and 24.47% (LA), respectively. No cases of ovarian hyperstimulation were seen. CONCLUSIONS: After FSH HP administration according to a low-dose protocol, the use of LA to trigger a gonadotropin surge as a means of inducing ovulation in FSH-stimulated women could be a good alternative to improve the results and prevent ovarian hyperstimulation in IUI cycles.

Adult↗
PubMed2004

The practical implications of a raised serum FSH and age on the risk of IVF treatment cancellation due to a poor ovarian response.

PURPOSE: Chronological age, or biological age as indicated by elevated FSH levels, are related to ovarian reserve. This study addresses the likelihood of cancellation of IVF treatment due to a poor ovarian response utilising both basal serum FSH and woman's age. METHODS: A prospective cohort of 536 infertile but ovulating women were studied in their first cycle of IVF treatment. Standardised methods of pituitary desensitisation and ovarian stimulation prior to IVF treatment were employed. Treatment cycles cancelled due to a poor ovarian response to gonadotrophins were studied. A series of logistic regression models were used to explore the probabilities of cancellation in relation to age and FSH. RESULTS: Both age and basal serum FSH levels were independently associated with the risk of treatment cancellation. A low risk of treatment cancellation was observed in women under the age of 35 irrespective of serum FSH, however in older women the risk of treatment cancellation was most likely in women with a high FSH. CONCLUSIONS: In combination both age and FSH may serve as a valuable indicator of poor ovarian response leading to treatment cancellation. However, among older women FSH has particular importance, while less so in younger women with regular menstrual cycles.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

FSH isoforms: bio and immuno-activities in post-menopausal and normal menstruating women.

OBJECTIVE: The full expression of gonadotrophin biological activity depends on the gonadotrophin carbohydrate component. Our aim was to study serum FSH isoforms present in the follicular phase (FPS) and in the menopause (PMS) since the endocrine status may influence the structure of incorporated oligosaccharides. SUBJECTS: Ten healthy post-menopausal women (age range 53-68) not receiving any hormonal treatment and 10 healthy women (age range 20-28) in the follicular phase of their menstrual cycle were studied. MEASUREMENTS: Bio and immuno FSH-activities (Sertoli cell aromatase induction assay and RIA, respectively) were determined in separated isoforms after concanavalin A chromatography. Isolated isoforms were: UB, unbound; WB, weakly bound and FB, firmly bound to the lectin. RESULTS: PMS showed two groups of immuno and bio-active FSH isoforms: WB, bearing biantennary galactosylated type and FB, bearing high mannose or hybrid type oligosaccharides. Immuno and bio-active FSH were not detected in the UB fractions. WB isoforms represented 82 +/- 6% of the total bioactivity recovered in samples analysed individually; their B/I ratio was 0.85 +/- 0.20. FB isoforms were 18 +/- 6%; their B/I ratio was 3.27 +/- 0.60. Whole serum B/I ratio was 1.20 +/- 0.30. Similar results were obtained when pooled sera was analysed: WB: 77%, B/I: 0.82; FB: 23%, B/I: 3.75. Whole serum B/I in pooled samples was 1.10. FPS showed a different pattern. UB isoforms, bearing triantennary or bisecting oligosaccharides, were 41 +/- 3% of the total bioactivity recovered in samples analysed individually. Their B/I ratio was 0.61 +/- 0.23. WB isoforms were 59 +/- 3% and their B/I 0.76 +/- 0.14. FB FSH isoforms were not detected. The whole serum B/I ratio was 0.60 +/- 0.30. Similar results were obtained when pooled sera was analysed: WB 43%, B/I 0.42; FB 57%, B/I 0.62. Whole serum B/I in pooled samples was 0.70. CONCLUSIONS: These results show that, in normal women, circulating FSH bioactivity is associated with isoforms with different oligosaccharide [correction of oligosacharide] structures according to hormonal status. FSH in the follicular phase has a higher degree of branching and a more complete carbohydrate chain than the FSH secreted during the menopause.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

Sensitive LH and FSH assays for monitoring low serum levels in men undergoing steroidal contraception.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Current immunoassays for detecting serum FSH and LH are not sufficiently sensitive to detect the markedly reduced levels in men undergoing steroidal hormonal treatment for contraceptive purposes. The purpose of this study was to increase the sensitivity of available LH and FSH immunofluorometric (Delfia) assays in order to allow a better understanding of the importance of gonadotrophin suppression in achieving the optimal suppression of sperm count. DESIGN AND PATIENTS: Assay conditions were modified by increasing serum sample volume, the inclusion of either FSH- or LH-depleted serum to reduce the resulting matrix effects and extending incubation times. The microassays were applied to serum from 10 men administered testosterone enanthate with or without depot medroxyprogesterone acetate for 12 weeks as part of a contraceptive trial. RESULTS: The assay sensitivities were increased to 0.005 IU/l for LH and 0.010 IU/l for FSH, representing a five- to six-fold increase in sensitivity compared with existing assays. In the clinical trial, serum LH levels were suppressed to near or below the level of assay detection (mean 0.014 IU/l < 0.4% of pretreatment values) while in eight of 10 men, plasma FSH levels were detectable (0.04-0.07 IU/l, 1-5% of pretreatment values). These FSH levels would not have been detected by current assays. CONCLUSIONS: The increased sensitivities of the LH and FSH assays enabled the detection of gonadotrophins that were < 0.4% of pretreatment serum levels. Using these methods, serum LH was suppressed to nondetectable or near nondetectable levels while serum FSH was highly suppressed but still detectable in the majority of men undergoing steroidal treatment for contraceptive purposes.

Contraceptive Agents, Male↗
PubMed1993

Effects of bovine follicular fluid and partially purified bovine inhibin on FSH and LH release by bovine pituitary cells in culture.

We have established a dispersed bovine pituitary cell culture system to study the effects of charcoal-extracted bovine follicular fluid (BFF) or bovine inhibin, partially purified by immunoaffinity chromatography (IPI), on the spontaneous release of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). Pituitary cells were plated at 0.25, 0.5 or 1 x 10(6) viable cells/well (c/w) and incubated for 48 h. The medium was replaced and BFF (0, 0.54, 2.7, 13.7, 68.7 or 343.5 micrograms protein) or IPI (0, 0.01, 0.06, 0.29, 1.45 or 7.25 micrograms protein) added to the cultures and the incubation was continued for 48 h. Concentrations of FSH and LH in spent medium were determined by RIA and data analyzed by ANOVA with means compared by Student-Neuman-Keuls (SNK) test. We have shown an increase in spontaneous FSH and LH release attributable to both number of bovine pituitary cells plated and to the length of incubation. The addition of BFF reduced spontaneous FSH release over 48 h incubation. The dose-dependent inhibition curves observed in culture in which different numbers of cells were plated, indicates that inhibition was greater when 1 x 10(6) c/w were plated compared to 0.25 or 0.5 x 10(6) c/w. Bovine follicular fluid at 0.45 micrograms of protein (equivalent to 0.01 microliters of BFF) incubated with 1 x 10(6) c/w, suppressed FSH release by 10.6% compare to control. Maximal suppression of 34.1% was obtained with 50 micrograms (equivalent to 1.56 microliters of BFF). Immunopurified bovine inhibin at 1.45 micrograms tended to suppress FSH release and at 7.25 micrograms significantly reduced FSH release. Neither BFF nor IPI had a measurable effect on LH release. We conclude that BFF and IPI suppress the spontaneous release of FSH from bovine pituitary cells in culture in a dose-dependent manner, without concomitant suppression of LH release.

Animals↗
PubMed1985

[Gonadotropin treatment in ovarian insufficiency, stimulation of follicle maturation with human urinary FSH].

Thirty-two infertile patients with basal FSH/LH ratios of less than 0.5 were treated with a pure human urinary FSH preparation in various doses, in 57 cycles. With initially low FSH doses and increase in the dose according to the individual reaction (analogous to hMG therapy) ovulation and a normal luteal phase were achieved in 22 out of 25 cycles, and 6 pregnancies. In one cycle there was a clinical overstimulation syndrome in early pregnancy. Treatment with high doses of FSH at the beginning of the cycle proved unsuitable: normal follicle stimulation, ovulation and luteal phase only occurred in 12 out of 23 cycles, and there was no pregnancy. The combination of FSH therapy with initially high doses and subsequent stimulation with hMG resulted in ovulation in 9 out of 10 cycles without ensuing pregnancy. The behaviour of the endogenous LH under FSH therapy varied: with an initially high dose of FSH there was a clear drop in serum LH concentrations in 8 out of 23 cycles, and with an initially low dose in 5 out of 25 cycles. In 5 cycles the serum LH concentrations rose under FSH therapy. The results of the investigation confirm earlier observations that ovarian stimulation with FSH is possible in cases with low endogenous FSH/LH ratios, and that it is best accomplished by individualized therapy with an initially low dose. However, because of the different reaction of endogenous LH secretion, a better ovarian reaction than with hMG therapy could not be achieved with regard to ovulation and pregnancy rate, course of the luteal phase and overstimulation.

Adult↗