Work

Dexamethasone Enhances Fertility and Preovulatory Serum Prolactin Levels in eCG/hCG Primed Immature Rats

Year: 2009

Type: article

Abstract: Glucocorticoids have heterogeneous effects on reproductive function. We used a gonadotropin-primed, immature rat model to study the influence of dexamethasone (1 mg/kg), given during the latter stages of follicular development, on litter size, the number of oocytes released, and pituitary hormone levels. Dexamethasone-treated females released a larger number of oocytes at ovulation and gave birth to larger litters indicating the oocytes were viable. Survival to weaning age was not affected but average weight at weaning was lower for pups born to DEX-treated females. Serum FSH and LH were assayed at 12, 24 and 48 h following eCG and did not differ between dexamethasone-treated and control animals, but prolactin showed a prolonged pattern of elevation in DEX-treated females. Prolactin, which normally exhibits an elevation on proestrous, may modulate follicular development. Dexamethasone enhances fertility and fecundity possible through an effect of prolactin on follicle development, or by other direct effects on the ovary. These results may improve our understanding of the usefulness of DEX in assisted reproductive therapies for women.

Source: Journal of Reproduction and Development

DOI: 10.1262/jrd.20108

Authors: L. Christie ROCKWELL, Robert D. KOOS

Institutions: Temple University, University of Maryland, Baltimore

Language: English

Topic: Reproductive Biology and Fertility

Subfield: Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $828