Features of follicle-stimulating hormone-stimulated follicles in a sheep model: keys to elucidate embryo failure in assisted reproductive technique cycles.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the individual functionality of gonadotropin-stimulated preovulatory follicles, for understanding embryo failure in assisted reproductive technique cycles, in a sheep model.
DESIGN: Observational, model study.
SETTING: Public research unit. ANIMAL(S): Fifteen adult Manchega ewes. INTERVENTION(S): Synchronization of the estrous cycle with intravaginal progestagens and ovarian stimulation with FSH; evaluation of reproductive activity, plasma sampling, ovarian ultrasonography, and ovariectomies. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Determination of estrus behavior, plasma and intrafollicular concentrations of E(2) and inhibin A, number and size of ovarian follicles, and developmental competence of oocytes. RESULT(S): These results support the usefulness of serial measurements of plasma inhibin A for assessment of follicular growth during the FSH treatment, rather than of E(2) assays commonly used. Functionality of FSH-stimulated preovulatory follicles is clearly disturbed, as confirmed by a negative correlation between follicular size and intrafollicular concentrations of inhibin A and E(2) in preovulatory follicles after individual dissection; moreover, the ability of their oocytes to resume meiosis was diminished. CONCLUSION(S): Functionality of follicles in controlled ovarian stimulation (COS), and developmental competence of their oocytes, is disturbed by the high doses of gonadotropin supplied and finally determined by follicular sizes at starting FSH treatment.