Progestogen treatments for cycle management in a sheep model of assisted conception affect the growth patterns, the expression of luteinizing hormone receptors, and the progesterone secretion of induced corpora lutea.

OBJECTIVE

To determine, in a sheep model, the effect of a short-term progestative treatment on growth dynamics and functionality of induced corpora lutea.

DESIGN

Observational, model study.

SETTING

Public university.

PATIENT(S): Sixty adult female sheep.

INTERVENTION(S): Synchronization and induction of ovulation with progestogens and prostaglandin analogues; ovarian ultrasonography, blood sampling, and ovariectomy.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Determination of pituitary function and morphologic characteristics, expression of luteinizing hormone (LH) receptors, and progesterone secretion of corpora lutea.

RESULT(S): The use of progestative pretreatments for assisted conception affect the growth patterns, the expression of LH receptors, and the progesterone secretion of induced corpora lutea.

CONCLUSION(S): The current study indicates, in a sheep model, the existence of deleterious effects from progestogens on functionality of induced corpora lutea.