BACKGROUND The study was designed to test the hypothesis that granulosa cell (GC) gene expression response differs between recombinant FSH and human menopausal gonadotropin (hMG) stimulation regimens. METHODS Females < 35 years-old undergoing IVF for tubal or male factor infertility were prospectively randomized to one of two stimulation protocols, GnRH agonist long protocol plus individualiz...

BACKGROUND In vitro continuous stimulation of Sertoli cells with FSH leads to a desensitization of these cells to FSH action. To evaluate the presence of a desensitization of FSH receptor on Sertoli cells in vivo, we performed a controlled clinical study in 97 men affected by severe oligozoospermia. METHODS On the basis of FSH and inhibin B plasma concentrations, these subjects were divided i...

BACKGROUND The purpose of this study was to undertake an economic evaluation to compare the cost-effectiveness of recombinant (r)FSH with urinary (u)FSH for attaining clinical pregnancy with assisted reproduction. METHODS Mathematical modelling was utilized incorporating a Markovian decision framework and a Monte Carlo simulation. Statistical representations of recurrent events over time were...

LH and FSH are heterodimeric glycoprotein hormones, composed of a common alpha-subunit non-covalently associated with a hormone-specific beta-subunit. Repeated efforts to isolate catfish FSH (cfFSH) have not been successful and only catfish LH (cfLH) has been purified from catfish pituitaries. Recently, however, we succeeded in cloning the cDNA encoding the putative cfFSHbeta; the cDNAs for the...

Background: Follicle stimulating hormone is a heterodimeric protein composed of two subunits, α and ß, which are linked noncovalently. The hypophysial gonadotropin FSH plays an important role in the regulation of oocyte maturation, and a key component for growth of ovulator follicles in ewes. Materials and Methods: This study seeks to clone and express the ovine follicle stimulating hormone sub...