PubMed Health⌕ Search

SEARCH · PubMed Health

Results for “Follicular Fluid”

Explore indexed PubMed citations for clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health research. Read source abstracts and follow each citation to its original PubMed record.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1975

Certain physiochemical properties of uterine tubal fluid, follicular fluid, and blood plasma in the mare.

Uterine tubal fluids were collected twice a day from mares for 5 consecutive estrous cycles between March 15 and September 1. Follicular fluids were aspirated from the follicles of exteriorized ovaries of 3 mares between days 2 and 5 of estrus. Uterine tubal fluid and follicular fluid were analyzed for osmolarity, dry matter, total lipids, total free fatty acids, glucose, fructose, and lactic acid. Blood samples were collected (jugular venipuncture) throughout the estrous cycle, and the same physical and biochemical analyses were made on blood plasma. A difference (P less than 0.01) was found for osmolarity between uterine tubal fluids collected during estrus and those collected during anestrus. The osmolarity of uterine tubal fluid during anestrus was greater than that of blood plasma; follicular fluid was similar in osmolarity to blood plasma. The dry matter in blood plasma was greater (P less than 0.01) than that in either uterine tubal fluid or follicular fluid. Cyclic variations in dry matter content were not observed in uterine tubal fluid. Total lipids in blood plasma and follicular were greater (P less than 0.01) than those in uterine tubal bluid. The concentration of total lipid in uterine tubal fluid was similar during estrus and anestrus. Myristic acid (C14:0) in blood plasma and myristoleic acid (C14:1) in uterine tubal fluid were the only free fatty acids that had cyclic variation. The fatty acids in the greatest concentration in uterine tubal fluid and blood plasma were palmitic acid (C16:0) and linoleic acid (C18:2). Concentrations of linoleic acid and stearic acid (C18:0) were greater (P less 0.01) in follicular fluid than in uterine tubal fluid or blood plasma. Only trace amounts of glucose were detected in uterine tubal fluid, whereas a considerable amount of glucose was found in follicular fluid. Fructose was not detected in any of the fluids. Lactic acid concentrations did not differ between estrus and anestrus. Lactic acid concentration was significantly greater (P less than 0.01) in uterine tubal fluids and follicular fluids than in blood plasma.

Animals↗
PubMed1995

Effect of peritoneal fluid, follicular fluid, and their volumetric mixture on acrosomal reactivity in vitro.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effects of peritoneal and follicular fluids (PFs, FFs) on sperm acrosomal reaction (AR). DESIGN: Prospective, randomized study. SETTING: Three hospital-based infertility units. PATIENTS: Twenty-three women participating in GIFT programs; 23 men participating in AIH programs. INTERVENTIONS: Hormonal stimulation after buserelin desensitation; laparoscopy 36 hrs after hCG injection. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Percentage of acrosomally-reacted sperm. RESULTS: Compared with Earle's medium (control), moderate but significant increases of ARs were observed as function 1) of the relative content of FF in the incubation medium and 2) as function of time (these increases were constantly lower than those registered for the respective positive control, i.e. 2x frozen/thawed sperm). In contrast, when PF alone was present in the incubation medium, no such effects on AR were registered. CONCLUSIONS: FF and mixtures of PF and FF--but not PF alone--seem to induce some rapid and time-dependent processes which finally lead to an AR. Therefore, and independently on the infertility cause (tubal, male-dependent, unexplained infertility), PF seems able to exert effects on sperm motility (Revelli et al., Fertil. Steril 57, 654-60 [1992]) while maintaining an unreacted sperm status.

Acrosome↗
PubMed1993

High levels of immunoreactive endothelin-1 in human follicular fluids.

Follicular fluids were obtained from 180 follicles of 15 women undergoing follicular aspiration for in-vitro fertilization. Follicular development was induced by a combination of buserelin acetate and human menopausal gonadotrophin. Endothelin-1 (ET-1) concentrations in human follicular fluids were determined by specific radioimmunoassay. ET-1-like immunoreactivity (ET-1-LI) ranged from 338 to 928 pg/ml. ET-1-LI concentrations in follicular fluids obtained from immature (< 15 mm) follicles were significantly higher than those from mature (15-25 mm) and post-mature (> or = 25 mm) follicles. No correlation was found between the concentration of ET-1-LI, on the one hand, and that of oestradiol, progesterone, testosterone, prolactin, luteinizing hormone, insulin-like growth factor-I, prostaglandin E2 or platelet activating factor on the other, in follicular fluids. However, a significant positive correlation was observed between ET-1-LI concentration and follicle stimulating hormone and IGF-II concentrations, respectively. These data suggest that the high concentration of ET-1 found in follicular fluids may play some physiological role in follicular development.

Buserelin↗
PubMed1986

LH/hCG receptor in pig follicular fluid.

Follicular fluid isolated from large porcine follicles has been shown to have a specific water soluble 125I-hCG binding sites. After the binding of hCG to follicular fluid the receptor was stabilized against thermal denaturation. The release of LH/hCG receptor into follicular fluid was found to be dependent on its level in follicular cells which was increased together with the maturation of the follicle matures and, in part, could be related to membrane fluidity of the cells. The degree of fluorescence polarization of DPH and the order parameter of 5-doxyl-stearic acid labelled granulosa cells were lower in cells harvested from large follicles (6-12 mm) than in cells from small follicles (1-2 mm). It is suggested that soluble LH/hCG receptor may be actively released from follicular cells into follicular fluid. Specific hCG binding sites were found in the follicular fluid of the pig, rabbit, rat and cow, but not in that of sheep.

Animals↗
PubMed1977

Nature of the rabbit acrosome reaction-inducing activity of follicular fluid.

Follicular fluid samples from rabbits, cats, pigs, women and cows had acrosome reaction-inducing activity (ARIA) on rabbit spermatozoa as determined by differential staining after incubation with these fluids. Activity was retained after dialysis and at least 50% was found to be labile when heated to 56 degrees C for as little as 20 min. The induction of the acrosome reaction by bovine follicular fluid showed a dependence on the concentration of follicular fluid and spermatozoa and on calcium ions, and had a pH optimum of approximately 8. Enzyme treatments showed that proteases destroyed the ARIA and this activity was completely blocked by treatment of bovine follicular fluid with goat anti-bovine antiserum. Electron microscope observations indicated the similarity of the reactions observed to that occurring in vivo. It is concluded that the rabbit acrosome reaction inducing-activity of bovine follicular fluid is a serum component(s), probably a protein(s) of high molecular weight.

Acrosome↗
PubMed1990

Inhibition of progesterone synthesis and cAMP accumulation in small bovine luteal cells by a low molecular weight component of bovine follicular fluid.

Follicular fluid from large follicles of cows was extracted with charcoal and filtered through an Amicon XM-50 membrane. The XM-50 filtrate was further fractionated on a column of Fractogel TSK HW-40 (s) using Krebs-Ringer-phosphate buffer (1/100th dilution), pH 7.2, as an eluant. Two fractions (1 and 2) were obtained. Inhibition of progesterone secretion by small luteal cells was associated with the XM-50 filtrate and Fraction 2. Whole follicular fluid, the XM-50 retentate and Fraction 1 had no significant inhibitory activity. Fraction 2, which contained about 1/100,000th of the original follicular fluid proteins, inhibited the LH- or (Bu)2cAMP-induced progesterone production during a 2-h incubation. This inhibition was dose-dependent. Fraction 2 also inhibited LH-induced cAMP accumulation, but did not affect the conversion of pregnenolone to progesterone or the basal progesterone production. The molecular weight of the inhibitory factor was estimated to be less than 10,000 and its ability to inhibit steroidogenesis was lost after digestion with protease but retained after heating for 60 min at 75 degrees C. These results demonstrate that bovine follicular fluid contains a heat-stable factor likely to be a polypeptide and which suppresses the steroidogenic response of small luteal cells to LH. The action of this inhibitory factor could involve both an inhibition of the LH-induced synthesis of cAMP and an inhibition of the action of cAMP.

Animals↗
PubMed1984

Glycosamineglycan sulfate as acrosomal reaction-inducing factor of follicular fluid.

Follicular fluid from different mammalian species possesses two factors responsible for the induction of capacitation: a sperm-stimulating factor and an acrosomal reaction-inducing factor. The glycosamineglycan-sulfate (GAGs) extracted from pig follicular fluid induce acrosome reaction in pig spermatozoa which exhibit no morphological difference between the GAGs-induced reaction and the natural one. Acrosomal reaction commenced 30 min after the addition of GAGs and depended on GAGs concentration reaching 80% of acrosomal reacted spermatozoa after 6 hr of incubation with 7 mg of GAGs/ml. Chemical composition differs with the chemical data that characterize them as proteoglycans since those we obtained were practically protein free (2%). Another difference resides in the uronic acid content, which is almost twofold higher (59%). Electron microscope observations of the acrosomal reacted spermatozoa revealed that the addition of 10 mg/ml of trypsin soybean inhibitor did not interfere with any of the acrosomal reaction steps. The active capacitating factors may also originate from the follicular fluid released into the genital tract during ovulation.

Acrosome↗
PubMed1998

Presence of leukemia inhibitory factor and interleukin-12 in human follicular fluid during follicular growth.

PROBLEM: Cytokines have been shown to be present in human follicular fluid and have regulatory functions on follicular maturation. The presence of leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) and interleukin (IL)-12 in human follicular fluid obtained at different stages of maturation was investigated. METHOD OF STUDY: Follicular fluids and granulosa cells were obtained from preovulatory and immature follicles. Follicular fluids from both groups were assayed for IL-12 and LIF by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Granulosa cells from preovulatory and immature follicles were treated with human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in vitro and subsequent LIF and IL-12 production were measured. RESULTS: The average concentration of LIF was significantly higher in preovulatory follicles (7.6 +/- 1.3 pg/ml, n = 24) than in immature follicles (2.0 +/- 1.3 pg/ml, n = 6). The concentration of IL-12 was significantly higher in follicular fluid obtained from immature follicles (10.9 +/- 5.0 pg/ml) than in preovulatory follicles (1.3 +/- 0.4 pg/ml). hCG only stimulated LIF production from mature granulosa cells; it had no effect on IL-12 production. CONCLUSIONS: IL-12 and LIF are present in follicular fluid and their levels are regulated differently during follicular maturation. hCG stimulates LIF production from granulosa cells in vitro.

Cells, Cultured↗
PubMed1991

The relationship between prorenin levels in follicular fluid and follicular atresia in bovine ovaries.

Bovine follicles having a higher concentration of progesterone than estradiol in the follicular fluid can be considered as atretic. Since we observed previously that there was an inverse relationship between the follicular fluid estradiol to progesterone (E/P) ratio and the prorenin level, we have proposed that a high prorenin level may be associated with follicular atresia. The aim of the present study was to corroborate this hypothesis by including additional indices to distinguish unambiguously between atretic and nonatretic follicles and to compare the prorenin levels in these two groups of follicles. The present study included examination of more than 200 follicles in the follicular fluid of which we have measured steroid and prorenin levels. The results obtained show a highly significant negative correlation between the prorenin level on the one hand and the E/P ratio, estrogen to total androgen ratio, or estradiol concentration on the other hand. As a further criterion for atresia, we have examined the histological characteristics of the follicles by light and electron microscopy and have found that 90% of histologically characterized atretic follicles had an E/P ratio less than 1 and an average prorenin level four to five times higher than nonatretic follicles. Finally, when we determined the FSH-stimulated cAMP response and the aromatase activity, in terms of the ability to convert exogenous androgen to estrogen in granulosa cells isolated from individual follicles, we observed a markedly higher prorenin level in the fluid of follicles whose granulosa cells responded poorly to FSH and showed a low aromatase activity, compared to follicles whose granulosa cells responded strongly to FSH and contained high aromatase activity. In summary, follicles that were classified as atretic on the basis of a number of biochemical and histological parameters contained significantly higher prorenin levels in their follicular fluid than nonatretic ones. Thus, a high follicular fluid prorenin level is a valid indicator for follicular atresia in bovine ovaries. However, the reason for this increase in follicular fluid prorenin level and whether this increase is a cause or a consequence of atresia remains to be determined.

Adenylyl Cyclases↗
PubMed1985

Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry of androgens in equine ovarian follicles at ultrastructurally defined stages of development. Identification of 19-nortestosterone in follicular fluid.

Follicular fluid was obtained from equine follicles at different stages of development as determined by ultrastructural study. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry associated with stable isotope dilution permitted the demonstration of high levels of 4-estrene-3,7-dione and 17 beta-hydroxy-4-estren-3-one, 17 beta-hydroxy-4-estren-3-one levels often being about 10 times higher than those of testosterone. These findings suggest that in the mare ovary, an aromatizing pathway may proceed using these 19-norsteroids as intermediates. As a consequence of this high level of 19-norsteroids, testosterone content may be most often overestimated by RIA. RIA of steroids in follicular fluid should be validated by a reference technique based on gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, associated with stable isotope dilution.

Androgens↗
PubMed1994

The sequential effects of human cervical mucus, oviductal fluid, and follicular fluid on sperm function.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the sequential effects of human cervical mucus (CM), oviductal fluid, and follicular fluid (FF) on sperm motility, hyperactivation, and the acrosome reaction during 9 hours of incubation in vitro. DESIGN: Spermatozoa from a fertile donor were allowed to penetrate human CM in vitro and then were recovered and incubated in either 30% human oviductal fluid or a simple salt solution for 3 hours before challenge with 20% FF. Thus, the sequential effects of the fluids collected from the female reproductive tract on sperm hyperactivation and acrosome reaction were examined. SETTING: The donor insemination program at the University Clinic within the Jessop Hospital for Women, Sheffield, United Kingdom. PATIENTS: All donors used in this study were involved in the donor insemination program. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Sperm motility, hyperactivation, and percentage of acrosome-reacted spermatozoa were measured. RESULTS: This study used an in vitro technique to mimic sperm transport in vivo. Spermatozoa sequentially incubated with female reproductive tract secretions in vitro showed a maintenance in the level of FF-induced hyperactivated motility and a decreased response to the FF-induced acrosome reaction when compared with sperm challenged with FF in the absence of prior incubation with human oviductal fluid. CONCLUSION: It is suggested that human oviductal fluid may serve to delay the FF-induced acrosome reaction.

Acrosome↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Control of follicular maturation in the mouse by a nonsteroidal regulator from sheep follicular fluid.

Follicular fluid from sheep ovaries was gel-chromatographed on Sephadex G-100, and the retarded active fraction (Fr-IV, Kav = 1) was rechromatographed on G-25 (GF2). When injected into pseudopregnant mice, it did not affect corpus luteum function, but at the time of the termination of pseudopregnancy ovulation was suppressed. A dose of 20 micrograms GF2 when injected into cycling mice inhibited follicular maturation and ovulation. Plasma progesterone levels were also reduced, indicating the role of a nonsteroidal factor in follicular maturation, ovulation, and luteinization.

Animals↗
PubMed1977

Electron probe microanalysis of the chemical elemental content of human follicular fluid.

Follicular fluid samples were obtained by puncturing follicles of ovaries in situ from patients undergoing laparotomy. Sodium, potassium, chloride, magnesium, calcium, phosphorus, and sulfur concentrations measured by electron probe microanalysis were similar to those of blood, with minimal differences. This suggested that culture media in which these electrolytes are added in concentrations similar to those of serum are appropriate for culture of the human oocyte.

Calcium↗
PubMed1987

Changes in free progesterone in the serum, peritoneal fluid and follicular fluid through the menstrual cycle and pregnancy.

Progesterone is said to play an important role in the secretory transformation of the endometrium, maintenance of gestation and relaxation of the myometrium. Progesterone is also said to be involved in ovulation and fertilization, and is contained in large amounts in the follicular fluid and peritoneal fluid. As with other steroid hormones, progesterone exists in the blood in protein-bound and free forms, and it is the free form which exhibits biological activity. In order to evaluate the biological activity of progesterone, we determined the percent free progesterone, employing the method used by Vlahos et al. for the determination of testosterone. No significant difference was noted between the percent free progesterone in the follicular phase (4.44 +/- 0.30%) and luteal phase (4.77 +/- 0.26%) of the menstrual cycle. However, a tendency for the percent free progesterone to rise was recognized in the first, and the value significantly increased to 5.54 +/- 0.51% in the third trimester (p less than 0.005). The percent free progesterone during the follicular phase in the peritoneal fluid was 4.95 +/- 0.30%, and in the follicular fluid, 5.39 +/- 0.22%, both values being larger than the value in the serum during the same phase.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

[Participation of the follicular fluid in follicular development, oocyte maturation and spermatic function].

Follicular fluid (FF) is of great importance in Assisted Procreation Programmes, because it constitutes the micro-environment of the follicle that regulates the development of the oocyte and participates in the capacitation of the spermatozoa. The biochemical composition of FF is influenced by the state of follicle maturation and reciprocally the content of the fluid predicts the success of the subsequent follicular maturation and pregnancy. In most of the species the high concentrations of estradiol are common in the follicles of intermediate maturity, the progesterone in the mature ones and the androgens in the atresics ones. Estradiol concentration is associated with the fertilizing capacity of the oocytes and its metabolites stimulate the progesterone production. Moreover, the FF regulates the action of the gonadotrophins, because it contains factors that help the union of these with its receptor. The FF contributes providing factors that inhibit and stimulate the meiosis. It contains factors that stimulates oocyte maturation, or that block the ability of the cortical granules to modify the components of the pellucid zone. The exposition of spermatozoons with this fluid helps the acrosomal reaction, the spermatic motility and the ovum penetration.

Chorionic Gonadotropin↗
PubMed1997

Motility of spermatozoa in hydrosalpingeal and follicular fluid of pigs.

Hydrosalpinges were created to collect adequate volumes of fluid during pre-, peri- and postovulatory intervals from the ampulla, ampullary-isthmic junction and the isthmic-utero-tubal junction of the oviducts from Large White gilts that had exhibited at least two natural oestrous cycles. The accumulated fluids, follicular fluid and Butschwiler's medium were compared for their effects on various parameters of boar sperm motility using the CellSoft, computer-assisted, digital image analysis system. Sperm velocity (micron s-1 +/- SEM) was significantly higher (P < 0.05) in follicular fluid (84 +/- 3; n = 5) than in fluids from the ampulla during peri- and early postovulatory intervals, and from the isthmic-utero-tubal junction during pre- and early postovulatory intervals. It was also higher (P < 0.05) than in the fluid from the ampullary-isthmic junction during pre- and early postovulatory intervals; however, sperm velocity in follicular fluid was not significantly different from that in the periovulatory fluid from the ampullary-isthmic junction. The mean lateral head displacement (ALHmean) of spermatozoa was significantly greater in follicular fluid (3.9 +/- 0.3 microns; n = 5) than in fluid from the ampulla during peri- and early postovulatory intervals and from the isthmic-utero-tubal junction during pre- and early postovulatory intervals, and was also higher (P < 0.05) than in fluid from the ampullary-isthmic junction during the preovulatory period, but was not different from the peri- and postovulatory ampullary-isthmic junction fluids. The proportion of spermatozoa exhibiting circular motion was significantly higher (P < 0.05) in the periovulatory fluid from the ampullary-isthmic junction (24 +/- 3%) compared with fluids obtained during preovulatory and early postovulatory periods. Follicular fluid had no effect on the proportion of spermatozoa exhibiting circular motion. The average radius of sperm movement in circular trajectories was higher in follicular fluid than in the periovulatory fluids from the ampulla and ampullary-isthmic junction (P < 0.05). In hydrosalpingeal fluids collected 2-5 days after ovulation, the average radius of movement was greater in the ampulla fluid and ampullary-isthmic junction fluid than in fluid from the isthmic-utero-tubal junction (P < 0.05). These results demonstrate that follicular fluid and oviductal fluids have considerable influences on boar sperm motility. Furthermore, the immediate effect of periovulatory ampullary-isthmic junction fluid in increasing the percentage of spermatozoa swimming in circles (hyperactivated) is relevant, since it is at this time and within this region that fertilization occurs.

Animals↗
PubMed1996

Flow cytometric analysis of granulosa cells from follicular fluid after follicular stimulation.

Granulosa cells are not easily accessible, unless they are examined in follicular fluid after oocyte retrieval. These samples are usually contaminated with blood. We have set up a general technique for analysis of granulosa cells without physically separating them from blood cells. The sample is stained with CD45, which is a pan-leukocyte marker, and granulosa cells are consecutively selected as CD45 negative during flow cytometric analysis. Analysis of forward scatter of the granulosa cells, which is correlated to cell size, shows a wide size range throughout the whole population rather than two distinct populations as previously suggested.

Female↗