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A comparison of ovulation suppression and ovulation stimulation in the treatment of endometriosis-associated infertility.

This study compares ovulation stimulation or suppression with the pregnancy rate among infertile couples with endometriosis. The design is a nonrandomized, prospective, multicentered cohort analytic study. Two hundred and ninety-seven couples with laparoscopy-proven endometriosis were analyzed: 68 received no therapy, 42 received clomiphene and 74 received danazol. Forty patients (22%) conceived and pregnancy rates were similar in each treatment group. The relative likelihood of pregnancy associated with clomiphene was 2.9 (95% confidence limits 1.2-7.1); the relative likelihood of pregnancy with danazol was 1.02 (95% confidence limits 0.5-2.3). This study suggests that pregnancy rates during clomiphene treatment could be superior to expectant therapy, while pregnancy rate after danazol is similar to no treatment.

Adult

Inhibitors of mammalian tissue collagenase and metalloproteinases suppress ovulation in the perfused rat ovary.

We have examined the effects of a new synthetic inhibitor of mammalian tissue collagenase, CI-1 (N-[3-N-(benzyloxycarbonyl)amino-1-(R)carboxypropyl]L-leucyl-O-methyl-L- tyrosine N-methylamide; G. D. Searle SC 40827), and a general metalloproteinase inhibitor, 1,10-phenanthroline, on ovulation, as judged by the observation of follicular rupture, and on progesterone production of the perfused rat ovary. Ovaries of PMSG (20 IU)-primed rats were perfused for 21 h, and samples of medium were taken for analysis of progesterone concentration. The number of ovulations was estimated by counting the number of oocytes released into the perfusion chamber. Ovaries were stimulated with LH (0.1 micrograms/ml) plus 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine (IBMX; 0.2 mM), and this treatment resulted in a mean of 17.2 ovulations/treated ovary. 1,10-Phenanthroline dose-dependently inhibited ovulation, with 0, 0.2, and 12.5 ovulations/treated ovary at 1.0, 0.1, and 0.01 mM, respectively. This inhibition of ovulation closely paralleled the inhibition of extracted collagenase from uterus and ovary. However, 1,10-phenanthroline also suppressed progesterone release in a dose-dependent manner. Addition of the collagenase inhibitor (CI-1; 25 microM) 1 h after LH plus IBMX inhibited ovulation (6.3 ovulations/treated ovary). Its relatively inactive stereoisomer (CI-2; 25 microM) did not suppress ovulation (20.0 ovulations/treated ovary). CI-1 inhibited extracted uterine collagenase 50% at a concentration of 2 microM, whereas CI-2 was only 1/15th as effective. There was an 80% loss of CI-1 from the medium during the perfusions. Neither CI-1 nor CI-2 had any effect on LH plus IBMX-stimulated progesterone release. These data demonstrate that the general metalloproteinase inhibitor 1,10-phenanthroline is able to inhibit ovulation, but also inhibits steroidogenesis. The more specific inhibitor of collagenase, CI-1, can inhibit ovulation without affecting steroid production. These data indicate an important role for collagenase in the ovulatory process.

1-Methyl-3-isobutylxanthine

Gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist suppresses ovulation, menses, and endometriosis in monkeys: an individualized, intermittent regimen.

This study was designed to test the efficacy of a long-acting GnRH agonist (alpha) for inhibition of ovulation and menses in monkeys as well as suppression of mild to moderate endometriosis through an individualized, intermittent regimen. Endometriosis was surgically induced in 21 cynomolgus monkeys; ectopic tissue viability was verified histologically. GnRH alpha (leuprolide, D-Leu6-Pro9-Net-LHRH, Abbott Laboratories) was injected weekly in treatment cycle 1 (10 microgram/kg, sc; n = 15). Ovulation and menses ceased in 6 of 15 females. For the remaining 9 monkeys, the GnRH alpha dose was increased to 15 microgram/kg weekly in treatment cycle 2. Still, 4 monkeys resisted suppression; in treatment cycle 3, their regimen increased to 15 microgram/kg every fourth day. Thus, anovulation and amenorrhea was achieved in 14 of 15 monkeys within 90 days, seemingly as a result of ovarian desensitization, since GnRH alpha injections usually enhanced serum LH and FSH levels (P less than 0.05). Frequent laparotomies and daily hormonal profiles of estradiol, progesterone, FSH, and LH in serum confirmed these findings. After treatment, 12 of 15 monkeys manifested resolution of ectopic endometrial tissue; concurrently, there was no change in the severity of endometriosis in the 6 saline-injected controls. Six of 15 monkeys became pregnant within 90 days after cessation of GnRH alpha injections; 1 of 6 control females conceived. These findings may encourage consideration of clinical investigations employing individualized and/or intermittent GnRH alpha administration for the treatment of endometriosis or to achieve contraception.

Animals

Occurrence of pregnancy despite spontaneous ovulation suppression by intracerebroventricular infusion of substance P in rats.

Substance P (SP) infusion into the third cerebral ventricle and intraperitoneal injection of pentobarbital block spontaneous ovulation in female rats. This paper presents a study on the effect of SP intracerebroventricular infusion on the occurrence of copulation-induced ovulation. Spontaneous ovulation in female rats was blocked either by SP infusion into the third cerebral ventricle or by intraperitoneal injection of pentobarbital on the day of proestrus. Female rats infused with 20 nmol of SP in 10 microliter and then left with fertile males on the night of proestrus were found to be pregnant in 90% of cases, similarly as in the control group (86%). The lowest percentage of pregnancies was found in the group of animals injected with pentobarbital (69%). The obtained results suggest that reflex ovulation in female rats induced by copulation cannot be blocked by SP i. c. v. administration nor by i. p. pentobarbital, and suggest a different neural mechanism responsible for spontaneous and copulation-induced reflex ovulation.

Animals

Chronic gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist treatment suppresses ovulation and sexual behavior in group-living female rhesus monkeys.

The sexual behavior of six adult rhesus females was observed with each of four males prior to, during, and following a 90 day treatment with 20 micrograms/day of a gonadotropin releasing-hormone (GnRH) agonist (WY-40972). All females ovulated, approached males and copulated during an untreated cycle. No ovulations occurred during agonist treatment and all females showed reduced sexual interest during the last 25 treatment days. Three females showed elevated estradiol and copulated during the first 10 days of agonist treatment, but never showed similar levels of estradiol or copulation during the rest of treatment. Within 34 days after agonist treatment, all females initiated proximity to males, copulated, and ovulated. All females became pregnant on their second ovulation after agonist treatment. This demonstration that inhibition of ovulation with a GnRH agonist decreased rhesus female sexual initiation, demonstrates the importance of ovarian hormones to female sexual motivation and suggests that the changes in human female sexual interest should be evaluated during the development of agonist-based contraceptives.

Animals

Comparative contraceptive efficacy and mechanism of action of the norgestimate-containing triphasic oral contraceptive.

Norgestimate (NGM), a derivative of 19-nortestosterone with very specific affinity for the progesterone receptor, has been used in combination with ethinyl estradiol (EE) at low doses in both monophasic and triphasic oral contraceptives (OCs). An open-label comparative clinical trial was conducted with 4,234 healthy women using comparative clinical trial was conducted with 4,234 healthy women using triphasic levonorgestrel (LUG)/EE and NGM/EE through a total of 22,312 menstrual cycles. Contraceptive (LUG)/EE and NGM/EE through a total of 22,312 menstrual cycles. Contraceptive efficacy was excellent with both preparations, with no statistically significant between-regimen differences in pregnancy rates. The theoretical Pearl index was the NGM/EE triphasic, and 0.34 for the LNG/EE triphasic. Adverse experiences in groups were typical of those that may occur among women taking low-dose OC agents. was similar with the two preparations: 8.6% for the NGM/EE triphasic and 6.8% for the LNG/EE triphasic. In a separate mechanism of action study, specific endocrine parameters were investigated in 20 subjects using the NGM/EE triphasic for 4 cycles. Ovulation suppression was demonstrated in statistically significant decreases from pretreatment values in serum levels of luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, progesterone, and estradiol. Significant on-treatment increases in serum levels of sex hormone binding globulin evidenced minimal androgenicity. All hormonal values returned to or toward normal in the post-treatment cycle. The study results support those obtained in large noncomparative studies of the NGM/EE triphasic. This phased-dose combination suppresses ovulation and is a very effective, minimally androgenic contraceptive agent with a good safety profile.

Adolescent

Suppression of ovulation rate by antibodies to tissue-type plasminogen activator and alpha 2-antiplasmin.

Indirect evidence has suggested a role for plasminogen activator (PA) in ovulation. Our recent studies demonstrated that 1) tissue-type PA (tPA) is the predominant PA produced by preovulatory rat follicles in response to gonadotropins or GnRH; and 2) several inhibitors of the serine proteases, to which PA and plasmin belong, block ovulation. Here, the role of tPA and plasmin in ovulation was examined directly by the use of specific antibodies to tPA and alpha 2-antiplasmin (alpha 2AP). Immature female rats at 25-26 days of age were treated (sc) with 15 IU PMSG to induce multiple preovulatory follicles. Fifty-four hours later, tPA antibodies and alpha 2AP were injected into one of the ovarian bursae to check their ability to block ovulation, which was initiated with an ovulatory dose (4 IU) of hCG. The data are expressed as percent inhibition of ovulation in the treated vs. the untreated ovaries. A significant decrease in the ovulation rate was obtained by administration of 500 micrograms antibodies to tPA (39.6%) or 1-50 micrograms alpha 2AP (36-44%), whereas minimal inhibition (12%) was found at lower doses of anti-tPA (10 micrograms) or alpha 2AP (0.1 micrograms). Furthermore, nonimmune immunoglobulin G (500 micrograms) and heat-inactivated alpha 2AP were not effective. Anti-tPA and alpha 2AP suppressed ovulation only when injected at the time of hCG administration; later injections (4-h delay) were ineffective, suggesting that PA and plasmin are involved in the early follicular responses to the ovulatory stimulus. Histological observation of the ovaries did not reveal any pathological changes associated with the anti-tPA and alpha 2AP treatment. Suppression of ovulation, as evidenced by decreased number of tubal ova, was frequently accompanied with intraovarian release of the eggs into the follicular thecal compartment. Thus, these results provide direct evidence for an essential role of tPA and plasmin in ovulation.

Animals

Transdermal application of steroid hormones for contraception.

The concept of transdermal delivery (TD) for steroid application has nowadays been largely accepted for hormone replacement therapy in the menopause. It is only recently that the same concept has been envisaged for contraception. The skin can be penetrated by both estrogens and progestins, provided they are delivered in an appropriate solvent. About 10% of the total dose applied topically is actually absorbed. The transdermal delivery systems (TDS) presently available are either of the reservoir type (membrane-moderated system) or of the matrix dispersion type where the drug is dispersed into a polymer matrix. Estradiol (E2) is the most appropriate steroid for TD and can be combined with progestins to ensure a contraceptive effect. Only potent progestins should be used to achieve effective plasma levels with low doses in order to maintain an acceptable small surface of TDS. TDS changed weekly and delivering both E2 and levonorgestrel (L-NG) at daily dosages of 38.4 (+/- 7.5) and 28.8 (+/- 7.2) micrograms/10 cm2 per day respectively, showed ovulation suppression. Another progestin derived from norprogesterone (ST 1435) has been shown to penetrate the skin when suspended in acetylated lanolin or dissolved in a hydroalcoholic gel and to ensure ovulation suppression at a dose of 2 mg per day in a small number of cycles. These preliminary data demonstrate the feasibility of suppressing ovulation in women by transdermal absorption of steroids. Using TDS for contraception implies that such systems should be perfectly adhesive, well tolerated locally and achieve nearly 100% efficacy. These targets are very challenging, however, the potential advantages are so high that the concept deserves further development.

Absorption

Behavioral and social correlates of escape from suppression of ovulation in female common marmosets housed with the natal family.

Although female common marmosets typically do not breed while housed with their natal families, up to half ovulate at least once while housed with the intact natal family, and a similar proportion conceive if an unrelated adult male is present in the group. In this study, we investigated the behavioral and social correlates of escape from suppression of ovulation by daughters housed in intact natal families or in families in which the father had been replaced by an unrelated adult male. Focal-animal behavioral data were collected from daughters that were (N = 7) or were not (N = 10) undergoing ovulatory cycles while housed with the natal family and from daughters that were (N = 5) or were not (N = 3) cycling or pregnant in families containing an unrelated male. Additionally, four cyclic and six acyclic females housed in intact natal families underwent simulated "prospecting" tests. Cyclic and acyclic daughters in intact natal families did not engage in sexual interactions with the father and showed few differences from one another in their interactions with the parents. Moreover, cyclic and acyclic daughters did not differ in their willingness to leave the family for short periods or to investigate an unfamiliar family in "prospecting" tests. However, daughters that underwent ovarian cycles in the presence of an unrelated male showed numerous behavioral differences from those in intact natal families, including frequent courtship and sexual behaviors with the male, reduced affiliative interactions with the mother, and elevated frequencies of aggressive display behavior. Moreover, these females were less likely to behave submissively towards the mother or the adult male. These findings suggest that both suppression of ovulation and inhibition of sexual behavior normally contribute to reproductive failure in female marmosets living with their natal families, and that the two components of suppression may become dissociated under specific social conditions.

Agonistic Behavior

A quantitative overview of controlled trials in endometriosis-associated infertility.

OBJECTIVE: To undertake quantitative overviews of the following commonly used treatments for endometriosis-associated infertility: ovulation suppression, laparoscopic ablation, and conservative laparotomy. DESIGN: A protocol was prospectively defined detailing the research question, mode of study identification, inclusion and exclusion, data extraction, and pooling methods. Studies were assessed for relevance and validity by independent reviewers and their findings compared. Data were extracted in a similar fashion. PATIENTS: Women with visually diagnosed endometriosis, complaining of infertility. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Pregnancy as defined by positive pregnancy test. RESULTS: Twenty-five relevant randomized controlled trials and cohort studies were identified with a total of 37 treatment comparisons. The common odds ratio (OR) from seven studies comparing ovulation suppression (danazol, medroxyprogesterone acetate [MPA], or gestrinone) versus placebo or no treatment was 0.85, suggesting no treatment benefit. The common OR for pregnancy after ovulation suppression (MPA, gestrinone, or GnRH agonist) versus danazol was also nonsignificant: 1.07. Although pooled data from trials of laparoscopic surgery suggested a treatment benefit, significant heterogeneity between studies undermines this conclusion. Laparoscopic data were similar to those from conservative laparotomy studies. Studies assessing conservative surgery plus danazol versus danazol alone showed no significant benefit from this adjunct. CONCLUSION: Ovulation suppression is an ineffective treatment for endometriosis-associated infertility. Well-designed trials of laparoscopic ablation deserve a high priority.

Combined Modality Therapy

Combined olfactory contact with the parent colony and direct contact with nonbreeding animals does not maintain suppression of ovulation in female naked mole-rats (Heterocephalus glaber).

The study investigated the role of odor cues from two naked mole-rat colonies, in conjunction with behavioral cues from nonbreeding colony members, in maintaining suppression of ovulation in subordinate female naked mole-rats isolated from the two parent colonies. Four high ranking nonbreeding female naked mole-rats were removed from their respective parent colonies and singly housed in separate burrow systems. For a 64-day period, the removed females were maintained in daily odor contact with their parent colony by daily rotating soiled bedding material between the parent colony and the burrow systems of removed females. In addition, subsets of nonbreeding animals from the respective parent colony were regularly moved into the burrow systems of removed females for 2-day periods during this 64-day period. Removed females were therefore in continual social contact with subsets of parent colony animals except for the breeding pair. All four removed females exhibited raised levels of urinary progesterone (< 2 ng/mg Cr) indicative of the onset of ovarian function within 3 days of being separated from the parent colony. Removed females exhibited a normal ovulatory cycle with levels of progesterone remaining elevated for 25-35 days (mean concentration of progesterone +/- SEM; 16.2 +/- 2 ng/mg Cr). Initiation of aggression and sexual behavior by removed females increased significantly when they were isolated from the parent colony. The results demonstrated that odor cues from the complete colony in conjunction with behavioral/tactile/vocal cues from the nonbreeding colony members were not the major cues maintaining reproductive suppression in nonbreeding female naked mole-rats. Instead, our results suggest that female reproductive suppression in naked mole-rats is caused by a dominance-related behavioral mechanism requiring direct contact with the breeding female.

Aggression