Authors: J.J. Evans; R.A. Reid; S.A. Wakeman; L.B. Croft; P.S. Benny

Source: Human Reproduction, Volume 18, Number 7, July 2003 , pp. 1428-1431(4)

Publisher: Oxford University Press

Abstract:

BACKGROUND: Regulation of the LH surge is central to the functioning of the female ovulatory cycle. In animal models, oxytocin has been shown to alter LH activity. Oxytocin advanced the LH surge and, conversely, oxytocin receptor antagonists inhibited full production of the LH surge in rats. Few data exist on the possibility that oxytocin modulates LH in women. METHODS: Ten non-pregnant women participated in this study over two menstrual cycles. One cycle was a control cycle, and the other a trial cycle; the two were separated by at least one cycle. When the diameter of an ovarian follicle was >15 mm, a subject was allocated at random into either a control or treatment group. In a control cycle, volunteers received normal saline; in a treatment cycle, volunteers received an oxytocin antagonist (atosiban). RESULTS: For treatment cycles, the maximum LH concentration was significantly less than that in control cycles (42.1 ± 6.2 versus 60.3 ± 8.3 IU/l respectively; P < 0.05). Maximum FSH and estradiol concentrations were not significantly different between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: The results indicated that inhibition of endogenous oxytocin affects the endocrinology of the ovulatory cycle in women, and strongly suggest that oxytocin has a role in the physiological processes of LH regulation.

Keywords: atosiban/LH/ovulatory cycle/oxytocin

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/humrep/deg291

Affiliations: 1: To whom correspondence should be addressed at: Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Christchurch Women’s Hospital, Private Bag 4711, Christchurch, New Zealand. e-mail: john.evans@chmeds.ac.nz

Publication date: 2003-07-01

More about this publication?

• Human Reproduction features full-length, peer-reviewed papers reporting original research, clinical case histories, as well as opinions and debates on topical issues. Papers published cover the scientific and medical aspects of reproductive physiology and pathology, endocrinology, andrology, gonad function, gametogenesis, fertilization, embryo development, implantation, pregnancy, genetics, genetic diagnosis, oncology, infectious disease, surgery, contraception, infertility treatment, psychology, ethics and social issues. The highest scientific and editorial standard is maintained throughout the journal along with a rapid rate of publication.

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