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Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) regulates the expression of FSH receptor messenger ribonucleic acid in cultured Sertoli cells and in hypophysectomized rat testis.

FSH acts on Sertoli cells via interaction with a transmembrane receptor (FSHr). Control of expression of the receptor is surely a factor in the regulation of the action of FSH. The regulation of FSHr by FSH and testosterone was studied both in culture and in vivo. Sertoli cells from 18- to 20-day-old male rats were cultured in the presence of 25 ng/ml ovine (o) FSH. At 8 h after addition of FSH, expression of FSHr mRNA decreased significantly. Addition of FSH and actinomycin D to cells did not result in a further decrease in FSHr mRNA levels, suggesting that FSH does not alter turnover of FSHr mRNA. Treatment of cells with 40 ng/ml testosterone did not have any significant effect on the expression of FSHr mRNA. Hypophysectomy of 20-day-old male rats resulted in an increase in expression of FSHr mRNA as compared to that in sham-hypophysectomized animals. This increase was measured at 24 h posthypophysectomy and was maintained at 72 h after surgery. Injection of rats with 0.2 U oFSH at 48 h posthypophysectomy resulted in a reduction in FSHr mRNA when compared to the levels in hypophysectomized rats. Treatment with 2 mg testosterone propionate had no effect on FSHr mRNA levels. The findings confirm that FSH plays an important role in regulating mRNA expression of the FSHr in Sertoli cells in culture and show for the first time that FSHr mRNA is regulated in vivo by FSH in the immature rat testis.

Animals↗

Developmental changes in the binding of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) to testicular preparations of mice and the effects of hypophysectomy and administration of FSH on the binding.

Changes with age in testicular FSH binding and the effects of hypophysectomy and administration of FSH on FSH binding were studied in mice. The binding per unit testicular weight reached a peak at 10-20 days of age and it rapidly decreased during 20-37 days. The total binding per two testes increased from 4 days of age, reaching a peak at 31 days, and decreased thereafter when the testis still continued growing. Scatchard plot analyses of the binding showed that the equilibrium constant of dissociation (Kd) was about 3 X 10(-10) M regardless of age, and the changes in FSH binding were due to changes in the number of binding sites. Hypophysectomy at 90 days of age induced a significant decrease in the testicular weight, but the concentration of FSH binding sites markedly increased 16 days after the operation. In hypophysectomized mice the total number of FSH binding sites was increased 1.8-fold as compared with intact mice. In contrast, hypophysectomy induced a decrease in the total number of LH-binding sites. Injections of 100 micrograms NIH-FSH-P-2 for 10 days to hypophysectomized mice significantly decreased the concentration and the total number of FSH binding sites as compared with those in saline-injected hypophysectomized mice. These results suggest that FSH reduces its own receptors in the testis of mice.

Animals↗

Lys91 and His90 of the alpha-subunit are crucial for receptor binding and hormone action of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and play hormone-specific roles in FSH and human chorionic gonadotropin.

Glycoprotein hormones, FSH, LH, CG, and TSH, consist of a common alpha-subunit and a hormone-specific beta-subunit. Both subunits are thought to interact with the hormone receptors. Although several C-terminal residues of hCG alpha are known to contact the LH/CG receptor, little is known about the roles of individual C-terminal residues of FSH alpha. In this report, substitutions of various amino acids for the penultimate Lys91 and the upstream His90 of the alpha-subunit demonstrate that these two residues of FSH alpha are important for high affinity receptor binding and hormone action to induce cAMP production. In contrast, the same residues of hCG alpha are more important for cAMP induction than for high affinity receptor binding. Some substitutions significantly improved receptor binding of FSH and hCG, whereas others were detrimental. Some had the same effect on both hormones, and others impacted differently. Particularly, the substitution of Val for alpha Lys91 resulted in an improved receptor binding of and a loss of cAMP induction by FSH and hCG. On the other hand, the substitution of Arg or Pro for alpha His90 abolished receptor binding of FSH, but not of hCG. These results allowed us to generate an antagonist to FSH. Our results indicate that alpha His90 and alpha Lys91 play roles in receptor binding and cAMP induction of FSH and hCG in strikingly different ways. They will be useful to elucidate the underlying mechanisms for the interaction of FSH and hCG with their complementary receptors as well as for receptor activation.

Animals↗

Ovarian response to follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) stimulation depends on the FSH receptor genotype.

Because the ovarian response to FSH stimulation in assisted reproduction is variable, ranging from hyporesponse to hyperresponse, with the possible complication of ovarian hyperstimulation, it would be of great benefit to predict the response of the patients to FSH. To date, no clear-cut predictors of ovarian responsiveness to FSH have been identified. In this study, we investigated the role of two distinct FSH receptor (FSHR) variants, Thr307/Asn680 and Ala307/Ser680, in the response to FSH in women undergoing controlled ovarian stimulation. The FSHR polymorphism at position 680 was analyzed by restriction-fragment-length polymorphism in 161 ovulatory women below the age of 40 yr. With reference to the couple, infertility has been diagnosed as being attributable to male causes (76%), tubal factor (11%), or both (13%). The distribution was 29% for the Asn/Asn, 45% for the Asn/Ser, and 26% for the Ser/Ser FSHR variant. Peak estradiol levels, number of preovulatory follicles, and number of retrieved oocytes were similar in the 3 groups. However, basal FSH levels were significantly different among the 3 groups (6.4 +/- 0.4 IU/L, 7.9 +/- 0.3 IU/L, and 8.3 +/- 0.6 IU/L for the Asn/Asn, Asn/Ser, and Ser/Ser groups, respectively, P < 0.01). The number of FSH ampoules required for successful stimulation was significantly different among the 3 groups (31.8 +/- 2.4, 40.7 +/- 2.3, and 46.8 +/- 5.0 for the Asn/Asn, Asn/Ser, and Ser/Ser groups, respectively, P < 0.05). According to multiple linear regression analysis, the number of ampoules needed could be predicted from a linear combination of both the type of polymorphism and basal FSH levels (P < 0.001). These clinical findings demonstrate that the ovarian response to FSH stimulation depends on the FSHR genotype.

Adult↗

Follitropin (FSH) and a phorbol ester stimulate the phosphorylation of the FSH receptor in intact cells.

Using a cell line stably transfected with the rat follitropin (FSH) receptor cDNA we demonstrate that the FSH receptor becomes phosphorylated when cells are exposed to FSH. Since binding of FSH to its receptor results in an increase in cAMP and inositol phosphate accumulation, we examined the potential involvement of protein kinase A and C in mediating receptor phosphorylation. Stimulation of protein kinase A does not appear to be necessary because hFSH-induced receptor phosphorylation was minimally impaired in a cell line that overexpresses cAMP phosphodiesterase. Moreover, stimulation of the protein kinase A pathway with other agonists result in minimal phosphorylation of the FSH receptor. Stimulation of the protein kinase C with a phorbol ester did result in an increase in receptor phosphorylation, and down-regulation of the protein kinase C decreased, but did not abolish, the FSH-induced receptor phosphorylation. The possible impact of phosphorylation on the functions of the receptor was examined by testing if conditions that lead to phosphorylation decrease the ability of FSH to stimulate cAMP synthesis. Our data show that as with the addition of FSH, addition of a phorbol ester also results in a decrease in the ability of FSH to stimulate cAMP synthesis.

Adenylyl Cyclases↗

Inhibin secretion during the rat estrous cycle: relationships to FSH secretion and FSH beta subunit mRNA concentrations.

Serum inhibin and FSH and FSH beta subunit mRNA levels were measured at 3h intervals throughout the 4 day estrous cycle in female rats and hourly between 1000 and 2400 h of proestrus. On proestrus, serum inhibin concentrations fell during the late morning-early afternoon, then increased transiently during the late afternoon gonadotropin surges. Inhibin levels decreased during the late evening of proestrus, coincident with the FSH surge-related rise in FSH beta mRNA levels. Serum inhibin remained relatively stable during estrus and early metestrus, but rose during the late evening of metestrus and remained elevated until early diestrus. FSH beta mRNA levels were elevated on late estrus and early metestrus and declined during the evening of metestrus as serum inhibin levels increased. These data show that concentrations of serum inhibin change during the estrous cycle and that a general inverse relationship exists between serum inhibin and FSH levels and FSH beta mRNA concentrations in the pituitary. This suggests that inhibin may inhibit FSH beta gene expression and FSH secretion during the 4 day cycle in female rats.

Animals↗

Impact of urinary FSH price: a cost-effectiveness analysis of recombinant and urinary FSH in assisted reproduction techniques in the USA.

This study compares the cost-effectiveness of recombinant human FSH (r(h)FSH, Gonal-F) and urinary FSH (uFSH) in assisted reproduction techniques in the USA, using several hypothetical prices for uFSH. A specifically designed Markov model and Monte-Carlo simulation techniques were used to model the possible outcomes during three treatment cycles. Data included in the model were derived from randomized clinical trials and databases. An expert panel determined probability distributions for each decision point throughout each virtual treatment cycle. The assumed unit cost of r(h)FSH was $58.52 (based on the average retail cost) and three unit prices ($49, $45, $40) were used for uFSH. A total of 5000 simulations was performed on a virtual cohort of 100,000 patients. The mean number of assisted reproduction treatment cycles/success (ongoing pregnancy at 12 weeks) was 4.34 with r(h)FSH and 4.75 with uFSH. The total number of pregnancies achieved was 40,665 and 37,890, respectively. The mean cost per successful pregnancy with r(h)FSH was $40 688. For uFSH at unit costs of $40, $45 and $49, the mean costs per successful pregnancy were $43,500, $44,400 and $45,000, respectively (each P < 0.0001 versus r(h)FSH). Thus, despite its greater cost per unit dose, r(h)FSH is more cost-effective than uFSH over a wide range of uFSH prices, reflecting the greater clinical efficacy of r(h)FSH.

Cost-Benefit Analysis↗

Elevated FSH concentrations in imminent ovarian failure are associated with higher FSH and LH pulse amplitude and response to GnRH.

Imminent ovarian failure (IOF) in women is characterized by regular menstrual cycles and elevated early follicular phase FSH. This study explored underlying neuroendocrine causes of elevated FSH concentrations on day 3 of the menstrual cycle. The characteristics of episodic secretion of FSH and LH, the pituitary response to gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH), plasma oestradiol, and dimeric inhibin A and inhibin B on day 3 were compared in 13 women with elevated FSH concentrations (>10 IU/l) and 16 controls. FSH amplitudes were higher in the IOF group than in the controls (P < 0. 0001). The FSH pulse frequency did not differ between groups. The FSH response to GnRH was higher in the IOF patients than in the controls (P < 0.0001). Mean LH, LH amplitude and LH response to GnRH were higher in the IOF group, but LH pulse frequency did not differ between the groups. Concentrations of inhibin A and inhibin B were lower in the IOF group, while oestradiol showed no differences. We concluded that in women with IOF, the pituitary is more sensitive to GnRH. This leads to higher FSH and LH pulse amplitudes which underlie the elevated FSH concentrations in the early follicular phase.

Adult↗

Pharmaco-dynamics of human menopausal gonadotrophin (HMG) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). The importance of the FSH concentration in initiating follicular growth in polycystic ovary-like disease.

Using a randomized double-blind cross-over design, the pharmaco-dynamic and pharmaco-kinetic properties of 'pure' follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) (Metrodin) and human menopausal gonadotrophin (HMG) (Pergonal) were studied in 24 women with polycystic ovary-like disease (PCOD) during induction of ovulation. Fifty-six cycles were stimulated with FSH and 60 cycles with HMG, according to a standard protocol. Gonadotrophins were administered i.v. in a pulsatile fashion using pulse frequencies of either 30 or 120 min. The cycles stimulated with either 30 or 120 min pulse intervals showed no differences among themselves. During the stimulation phase, the FSH and HMG stimulated cycles showed equal and dose dependent FSH concentrations (mean +/- SD). The luteinizing hormone (LH) concentrations (mean +/- SD) were also equal but unchanged compared to the mean basal concentration. The LH, FSH, total urinary oestrogen excretion, and testosterone profiles (mean +/- SD) obtained from cycle days -10 to 0 as well as the pregnanediol profiles obtained from cycle days 0 to +14 showed no differences either. The occurrence of an endogenous preovulatory LH surge was significantly more frequent in the cycles stimulated with a pulse interval of 30 min compared to the cycles stimulated with a pulse interval of 120 min. The addition of LH as provided in HMG did not influence the FSH threshold concentration above which initiation of follicular growth occurred, since no differences were found in the FSH 'stable' concentrations between FSH and HMG stimulated cycles. However, intra- and inter-individual variation in the FSH 'stable' concentration at which follicular growth was initiated became obvious.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adult↗

Tilapia follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH): immunochemistry, stimulation by gonadotropin-releasing hormone, and effect of biologically active recombinant FSH on steroid secretion.

In fish, FSH is generally important for early gonadal development and vitellogenesis. As in mammals, FSH is a heterodimer composed of an alpha subunit that is noncovalently associated with the hormone-specific beta subunit. The objective of the present study was to express glycosylated, properly folded, and biologically active tilapia FSH (tFSH) using the Pichia pastoris expression system. Using this material, we aimed to develop a specific ELISA and to enable the study of FSH response to GnRH. The methylotrophic yeast P. pastoris was used to coexpress recombinant genes formed by fusion of mating factor alpha leader and tilapia fshb and cga coding sequences. Western blot analysis of tilapia pituitary FSH, resolved by SDS-PAGE, yielded a band of 15 kDa, while recombinant tFSH beta (rtFSH beta) and rtFSH beta alpha had molecular masses of 17-18 kDa and 26-30 kDa, respectively. Recombinant tFSH beta alpha was found to bear only N-linked carbohydrates. Recombinant tFSH beta alpha significantly enhanced 11-ketotestosterone (11-KT) and estradiol secretion from tilapia testes and ovaries, respectively, in a dose-dependent manner (similar to tilapia pituitary extract, affinity-purified pituitary FSH, and porcine FSH). Using antibodies raised against rtFSH beta, FSH-containing cells were localized adjacent to hypothalamic nerve fibers ramifying in the proximal pars distalis (PPD), while LH cells were localized in a more peripheral region of the PPD. Moreover, FSH is under the control of hypothalamic decapeptide GnRH, an effect that was abolished through the use of specific bioneutralizing antisera, anti-rtFSH beta. It also reduced basal secretion of 11-KT.

Animals↗

Use of antisera to follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) to detect non-FSH factors in human serum which modulate rat granulosa cell steroidogenesis.

We measured the ability of serum from women to stimulate steroidogenesis in cultured granulosa cells. Serum promoted estradiol and progesterone synthesis in proportion to its FHS content measured by RIA [i.e. serum from postmenopausal women (PM) greater than serum from the midcycle at the time of the gonadotropin surge (MC) greater than serum from the first day of the menstrual cycle (D1) greater than serum from a hypophysectomized woman (AP)]. The FSH activity of these sera was reduced but not eliminated when we included excess antisera to ovine or human FSH in the culture medium (i.e. PM greater than MC greater than D1 greater than AP). These antisera completely neutralized the actions of ovine FSH, human FSH, and menopausal gonadotropin (Pergonal) added to serum. In contrast to the stimulation seen with 5% or lower concentrations of serum in the culture medium, we observed that 10-20% serum inhibited FSH-induced androgen aromatization and progesterone accumulation. The degree of stimulation or inhibition of steroidogenesis depended on the number of granulosa cells added to each culture. High initial cell concentrations inhibited the ability of the cells to respond to either serum or PMSG. In addition to factors which stimulate or inhibit FSH-induced steroidogenesis, human serum contains factors distinct from FSH which cause the cells to flatten and adhere more tightly to the culture dishes. Although progesterone synthesis was increased in cells which had flattened on the surface of the culture dishes, this phenomenon was not a prerequisite for serum-induced steroidogenesis. We conclude that serum contains factors immunologically distinct from FSH, possibly of pituitary origin, which induce granulosa cell steroidogenesis. In addition, serum contains inhibitory substances which block hormone-induced steroidogenesis and which tend to obscure the stimulatory effects of FSH. Detection of both factors depends in part on the number of granulosa cells used to innoculate the cell cultures.

8-Bromo Cyclic Adenosine Monophosphate↗

An improved in vitro bioassay for follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH): suitable for measurement of FSH in unextracted human serum.

FSH bioactivity was measured by means of FSH-dependent aromatase activity (conversion of androgen substrate to estradiol). Assay sensitivity was optimized by the use of immature (7-10 days old) rats as Sertoli cell donors, serum-free medium for incubation, phosphodiesterase inhibitor (methylisobutylxanthinine), serial dilution of FSH in medium containing 1% BSA, delayed addition of FSH for 72 h after cell plating, and 19-hydroxyandrostenedione (2.5 X 10(-6) M) as the aromatizable androgen substrate. The method consisted of subjecting the decapsulated immature rat testes to a 2-step collagenase dispersion, plating the cells in medium [Dulbecco's Modified Eagle's Medium-Ham's F-10 (1:1)] containing growth factors and methylisobutylxanthinine for 72 h, adding increasing doses of FSH to the standard curve or small volumes of serum to the test vials as well as 19-hydroxyandrostenedione for 24 h, and measuring estradiol by RIA in dilutions of the medium. Using NIAMDD human (h) FSH-2 as the bioassay standard, the useful range of the assay was 0.01-5.0 ng/ml. Specificity was determined by the addition of graded doses of hLH, hTSH, ACTH, hGH, hPRL, and hCG. The minor degree of FSH bioactivity observed in a few hormone preparations was accounted for by the degree of FSH contamination in them. Mean intra- and interassay coefficients of variation were 9% and 11%, and the index of precision was 0.049. This bioassay was used to determine the bioactive FSH content of pituitary extracts, tissue culture media, elutions from columns, and isoelectrically focused samples. More importantly, small quantities of human sera gave responses parallel to the standard curve in a minimum of two dilutions. The bio- to immunoreactive ratios, expressed as the mean +/- SEM (NIAMDD-hFSH-2), were 0.66 +/- 0.2 in boys (n = 6), 0.78 +/- 0.2 in pubertal girls (n = 6), 1.18 +/- 0.2 in men (n = 13), 1.24 +/- 0.1 in postmenopausal women (n = 30), 1.94 +/- 0.3 in the follicular phase (n = 19), 6.2 +/- 1.4 in the ovulatory phase (n = 19), and 1.6 +/- 0.4 in the luteal phase (n = 19) of the normal menstrual cycle. These results indicate that the bio- to immunoreactive hFSH ratio in the circulation, is dependent upon the hormonal milieu of the subject.

Adenosine↗

Corticosterone in vivo increases pituitary follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)-beta messenger ribonucleic acid content and serum FSH bioactivity selectively in female rats.

Experimental objectives were to determine: 1) if the native glucocorticoid, corticosterone (B), can selectively increase pituitary FSH and FSH beta messenger RNA (mRNA) in the presence or absence of a GnRH signal; and 2) if B affects the biological activity of the gonadotropins. Metestrous female rats were implanted with cholesterol or B. Each implant group received 100 micrograms GnRH antagonist or control injections every 48 h beginning at the time of implantation, and were killed 5 days later. B significantly increased bioactive serum FSH, with or without GnRH antagonist. GnRH antagonist decreased bioactive serum FSH. Immunoreactive serum FSH was not affected by any treatment. B did not affect bioactive serum LH, but GnRH antagonist significantly suppressed bioactive serum LH. Immunoreactive serum LH was significantly lowered by either B or GnRH antagonist. Neither bioactive nor immunoreactive pituitary FSH or LH content were affected by B, GnRH antagonist, or combined treatments, and no treatment affected alpha or LH beta mRNA. B significantly increased FSH beta mRNA specifically, in the presence or absence of GnRH antagonist. These results demonstrate that corticosterone can increase biological activity of secreted FSH and increase FSH beta mRNA in the absence of a GnRH signal, suggesting a direct effect on the anterior pituitary gland.

Animals↗

The follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) beta- and common alpha-subunits are expressed in mouse testis, as determined in wild-type mice and those transgenic for the FSH beta-subunit/herpes simplex virus thymidine kinase fusion gene.

Testicular expression of the endogenous FSH beta-subunit (FSH beta) and common alpha-subunit (C alpha) genes, as well as a Herpes simplex virus type 1 thymidine kinase (tk) transgene, driven by a 2.3-kilobase fragment of the bovine GSH beta promoter, were studied at messenger RNA and protein level in normal and transgenic mice. A major 3.8-kb species of FSH beta messenger RNA was demonstrated i the normal mouse testis by Northern hybridization. This was longer than the main 1.7-kb FSH beta transcript detected in the pituitary gland. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, followed by Southern hybridization, demonstrated FSH beta and tk expression in the pituitary gland and gonads of adult normal and transgenic mice, respectively. The C alpha expression was detected by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction in the pituitary gland and testis. During development, testicular transcription of the FSH beta and tk genes was initiated simultaneously a few days after birth. Immunocytochemistry of adult testes showed stage-specific positive reaction with FSH beta, C alpha, and tk antisera in the pachytene spermatocytes and type B spermatogonia, but not in Sertoli cells. Positive reaction with these antisera was also seen in the interstitial tissue. These results demonstrate testicular expression of the endogenous FSH subunit genes and confirm that the testicular expression of the FSH beta /tk transgene reflects or its subunits play a paracrine or autocrine role in the regulation of testicular function.

Animals↗

Involvement of distinct signaling pathways in activin-induced increases in FSH secretion and enlargement of FSH cell population in the rat pituitary.

Activin-A induces increases in FSH secretion, as well as the number of immunoreactive FSH cells, in cultured rat pituitary cells. In this study, we examined whether mechanisms involved in these two actions of activin-A are identical or not, with respect to the involvement of cellular proliferation and of Ca2+-dependent signaling pathways. Treatment with activin-A (25 ng/ml) for 48 h caused increases in the number of cultured rat anterior pituitary cells that incorporated BrdU, a thymidine analog. The stimulatory effects of activin-A on FSH secretion and on the percentage of immunoreactive FSH cells were, however, not inhibited by the presence of the mitotic inhibitor cytosine arabinoside. On the other hand, the stimulatory effect of activin-A on the percentage of immunoreactive FSH cells was completely blocked in the presence of the Ca2+/calmodulin kinase inhibitor KN-62 or the L-type Ca2+ channel blocker nicardipine. Neither of these inhibitors, however, revealed significant influence on the effect of activin-A on FSH secretion. These results suggest that activin-A exhibits its dual effect on FSH cells without causing cellular proliferation. Furthermore, activin-A appears to induce increases in FSH secretion and enlargement of FSH cell population through distinct intracellular signaling pathways, the former through Ca2+-independent and the latter through Ca2+-dependent mechanisms.

1-(5-Isoquinolinesulfonyl)-2-Methylpiperazine↗

Comparison of plasma FSH concentration in boars and gilts from lines selected for ovulation rate and embryonal survival, and litter size and estimation of (co)variance components for FSH and ovulation rate.

The objective of this research was to determine whether plasma concentration of FSH was genetically correlated with ovulation rate and thus was a useful trait for indirect selection. Blood samples were collected from 619 animals from five lines of pigs. Line I was selected for increased index of ovulation rate and embryonal survival, and Line C was its randomly selected control. Pigs sampled from Lines I and C were from generations 12 and 13. Pigs from three additional lines that were derived from eighth-generation pigs of Lines I and C also were used. These lines were Line C2, a randomly selected control derived from Line C, Line COL, derived from Line C, and Line IOL, derived from Line I; each of these lines was selected an additional five generations for increased ovulation rate and increased litter size. A single blood sample was collected from each pig between 46 to 63 (d 58), 86 to 98 (d 90), 110 to 133 (d 124), and 147 to 153 (d 150) d of age. The heritability of ovulation rate was .28 and heritabilities of plasma concentration of FSH at d 58, 90, 124, and 150 were .41, .25, .12, and 0, respectively. Genetic correlations between ovulation rate and d-58, d-90, and d-124 plasma concentration of FSH were .31, .23, and 0, respectively. Line I gilts had greater estimated breeding values for plasma concentration of FSH at d 58 and 90 than Line C gilts (P < .01). Line COL gilts had greater estimated breeding values for plasma concentration of FSH at d 58 than Line C2 gilts (P < .01). Line I boars had greater estimated breeding values for plasma concentration of FSH at d 90 than Line C boars (P < .05). Even though genetic correlations were low, selection for increased plasma concentration of FSH was estimated to be 93% as effective in changing ovulation rate as direct selection because selection for FSH can be practiced in both sexes. Thus, selection for increased plasma concentration of FSH seems to be a practical method for increasing ovulation rate in pig breeding programs without using laparoscopy.

Animals↗

FSH or FSH plus LH superovulation in ewes following estrus synchronization with medoxyprogesterone acetate pessaries.

The estrous cycles of 28 ewes 9 to 10 months of age were synchronized with Medoxyprogesterone (MAP) pessaries. Superovulation was attempted by injecting either (follicle stimulating hormone) FSH or FSH plus Luteinizing Hormone (LH). MAP pessaries were in place for 12 days. FSH was administered (IM) to all ewes at 12-hr intervals over a 3-day period, 5 mg injected twice on day 11 after pessary insertion, followed by 4 and 3 mg twice daily on days 12 and 13, respectively. LH (25 mg injected IV) was given to 14 ewes within 8 hr after the onset of behavioral estrus. All ewes were hand mated with several rams at 12-hr intervals from the onset to the end of behavioral estrus. Ovulation, embryo recovery and fertilization rates were recorded for each ewe. Of 14 ewes injected with only FSH, 13 ovulated, with a mean ovulation rate of 8.2 +/- 5.6; embryo recovery rate averaged 62%, and fertilization rate was 97%. All 14 ewes given both FSH + LH ovulated, with an ovulation rate of 8.9 +/- 5.8 per ewe; embryo recovery averaged 70%, and 91% of all embryos recovered were fertilized. No statistical differences in ovulation, embryo recovery or fertilization rates were found between the FSH and FSH + LH superovulation treatment groups. In addition, no difference in the number of ewes showing estrus or duration of behavioral estrus was noted between FSH and FSH + LH treatments.

Animals↗

Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) receptors and FSH-responsive adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate production in porcine granulosa cells decline with follicular growth.

Comparison of binding of 125I-porcine FSH to porcine granulosa cells from small and large ovarian follicles indicated that binding is dependent on both time and temperature. At 37 C, binding of ligand is more than four times higher in cells from small follicles than in cells from large follicles within 30 minutes of the start of incubation. Binding to cells from both small and large follicles is more stable for a longer period of time at 20 C than at 37 C. Equilibrium saturation binding analysis of 125I-pFSH binding indicated that binding is saturable and of high affinity. Granulosa cells from small and large follicles have similar affinities for 125I-pFSH. However, granulosa cells from small follicles have 4.7-times as many FSH receptors as granulosa cells from large follicles. The sensitivity and responsiveness of the adenylyl cyclase system to FSH were assessed by incubating cells from small and large follicles with increasing concentrations of FSH in a defined medium containing isobutylmethylxanthine (1 mM), an inhibitor of phosphodiesterase. Granulosa cells from small follicles are more sensitive to FSH and have a greater cAMP response to FSH than granulosa cells from large follicles. Thus, both active FSH receptors and FSH-responsive adenylyl cyclase activity decline during follicular growth.

1-Methyl-3-isobutylxanthine↗