Actions of GnRH antagonists on IGF-II, IGF-binding protein-2 and pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A in human granulosa-lutein cells.

OBJECTIVE

Recently, GnRH antagonists (GnRHants) have been introduced for the prevention of premature LH surges during controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH). Here we investigated whether the GnRHants cetrorelix and ganirelix exert effects on the human ovarian IGF system. Since controversy exists on the action of GnRH agonists in the human ovary, we also tested the effect of triptorelin on IGF-II, IGF-binding protein-2 (IGFBP-2) and pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A (PAPP-A) in cultured human granulosa-lutein cells.

DESIGN

In vitro cell culture study in a research laboratory of a university hospital.

PATIENTS: Cells were obtained from patients treated with different protocols of COH. In addition to gonadotropins they received triptorelin or cetrorelix. Cells were treated with triptorelin, cetrorelix or ganirelix, 1 nmol/l each, for 48 h. IGF-II, IGFBP-2 and PAPP-A were measured by RIA and enzyme immunoassay respectively.

RESULTS

GnRHants and triptorelin did not affect IGF-II, IGFBP-2 or PAPP-A.

CONCLUSIONS

We conclude that GnRHants do not exert any significant effects on the IGF system of granulosa-lutein cells and therefore their introduction into protocols of COH is unlikely to impair ovarian function.