Passive immunization with anti-oestradiol antibodies during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle potentiates the perimenstrual rise in serum gonadotrophin concentrations and stimulates follicular growth in the cynomolgus monkey (Macaca fascicularis)

摘要

Summary. Three unilaterally ovariectomized cynomolgus monkeys, in which menstrual cycles were driven by pulsatile infusion of synthetic GnRH at a fixed frequency of 1 pulse/h, were provided with a continuous infusion of ovine anti-oestradiol γ-globulin beginning 13 days after ovulation and continuing for 7 days thereafter. Plasma concentrations of both FSH and LH rose at the start of the antibody infusion and remained elevated throughout the 7-day treatment regimen when compared with control (non-immune γ-globulin-treated or untreated) animals. Morphometric examination of ovaries at the end of the experimental and control infusions revealed a significant difference (P 1 ·0 mm diameter, none of which exceeded a diameter of 2·0 mm. In contrast, the experimental animals had 28 non-atretic follicles of > 1·0 mm diameter, 8 of which exceeded 2·0 mm.