Inhibin and renin in follicular fluids of patients with one or two ovaries stimulated with a GnRH agonist and gonadotrophins

Abstract

Follicular fluids from eight patients with one ovary and from ten patients with two ovaries were investigated for bioactive inhibin, total renin, oestradiol (E₂) and progesterone (P₄) concentrations. Four follicular fluids were pooled per patient before assessment. All women had been stimulated similarly using a protocol including a GnRH agonist, HMG and HCG. Renin levels were significantly lower and P₄ significantly higher in pools of follicular fluid from patients with one ovary, whereas inhibin and E₂ concentrations were similar in both patient groups. A significant negative correlation was found in the pools of follicular fluid between inhibin and E₂ in both groups. These results suggest a role for inhibin and renin in the paracrine and autocrine control of stimulated follicular development