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PubMed · 17140726

The structures that underlie normal reproductive function.

Thomas F Lerch·Min Xu·Theodore S Jardetzky·Kelly E Mayo·Ishwar Radhakrishnan·Ralph Kazer·Lonnie D Shea·Teresa K Woodruff
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Abstract

The mechanisms and physiology of reproductive function have fascinated scientists throughout time. Recent cellular and molecular level structural studies have provided unprecedented insights into reproductive systems and signaling networks. This 'cutting edge' editorial provides a recent example in each of these areas, namely, the anatomical integrity of the follicle, the molecular structure of activin with its binding partners and the molecular regulation of inhibin. These three examples of structure informing function help explain reproductive health and may provide solutions to reproductive disease.

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Endocrine SystemFemaleHumansOvarian FollicleReproductionSignal TransductionUrogenital SystemJournal ArticleResearch Support, N.I.H., ExtramuralReview

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Thomas F Lerch, Min Xu, Theodore S Jardetzky, Kelly E Mayo, Ishwar Radhakrishnan, Ralph Kazer, Lonnie D Shea, Teresa K Woodruff. 2006-11-30. The structures that underlie normal reproductive function.. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mce.2006.10.018

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PubMed2007

Why does ovarian surgery in PCOS help? Insight into the endocrine implications of ovarian surgery for ovulation induction in polycystic ovary syndrome.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a complex disorder with heterogeneity of clinical and endocrine features. Ovarian surgery for ovulation induction has been used in the management of clomiphene citrate-resistant anovulatory women with PCOS. Various types of ovarian surgery have been employed (wedge resection, electrocautery, laser vaporization, multiple ovarian biopsies and others) and all procedures result in an altered endocrine profile after surgery. The mechanism behind the reversal of endocrinological dysfunction in PCOS after ovarian surgery remains incompletely understood. This review scans the literature systematically to identify the endocrine changes after ovarian surgery in PCOS, in order to glean some knowledge of the mechanism involved. After ovarian surgery in PCOS, a rapid reduction in serum levels of all ovarian hormones is seen, in combination with increased serum levels of pituitary hormones. Folliculogenesis is then initiated and ovarian hormone production increases, synchronically with a reduction of pituitary hormones. Continuation of follicle growth in subsequent cycles after ovarian surgery occurs in an environment with less androgens and lower LH and FSH levels compared with pretreatment levels. The endocrine changes found after ovarian surgery in PCOS women seem to be governed by the ovaries themselves. Rapid reduced secretion of all ovarian hormones restores feedback to the hypothalamus and pituitary, resulting in appropriate gonadotrophin secretion. Initiation of follicular development seems to be induced by increasing FSH levels following a reduction of the follicle excess and (intra-ovarian) androgen levels. Additionally, anti-Müllerian hormone and gonadotrophin surge attenuating factor probably have a role in the endocrine changes.

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