The respective roles of gonadotrophins on follicular growth and oocyte maturation
Hillier, S.
Journal de Gynecologie Obstetrique et Biologie de la Reproduction 33(6 Part 2): 3s11-3s14
2004
ISSN/ISBN: 0368-2315 PMID: 15643678 Document Number: 573842
Around 400 follicles sequentially mature and ovulate during an average woman's reproductive lifetime. Follicular growth to the stage of antrum formation is independent of gonadotrophic stimulation and might be dependent of androgen exposure. During the follicular phase, effects of LH must be considered according to the stages of follicular development: in the early follicular phase, LH acts through specific receptors, constitutively present on thecal cells, for stimulating androgen production. Androgens seem to be positively involved in the folliculogenesis in primates. Indeed, a positive correlation has been recently established between androgen receptor expression and follicular cell proliferation. Nevertheless, LH, beyond a certain ceiling level, suppresses granulosa proliferation, and initiates atresia or premature luteinisation. The development-related response to LH shown by the pre-ovulatory follicle raises the possibility that exogenous LH might be used as an adjunct to therapy with exogenous FSH in clinical ovulation induction regimens where the aim is to induce monovulation. Rec LH will allow the opportunity to provide LH support in a flexible and responsive way, with the possibility of fine tuning FSH action on follicular development. Availability of pure, standalone LH will allow a re-evaluation of follicular stimulation based on physiological principles, leading to new treatment protocols.