R T Scott1, K D Carey, M Leland, D Navot. 1. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wilford Hall, USAF Medical Center, Lackland AFB, Texas 78236.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the gonadotropin response to ultralow doses of a GnRH agonist, leuprolide acetate (LA). DESIGN: Prospective and cross-controlled. SETTING: Primate research center. SUBJECTS: Four reproductive age cycling baboons (Papio cyanocephalus). INTERVENTIONS: Three different doses of LA were given intravenously to each animal followed by serial sampling. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Response patterns of circulating serum gonadotropin levels. RESULTS: All four animals responded to each of the three doses of LA in a dose-dependent fashion. Levels of LH and FSH peaked at 49.5 +/- 2.6 mIU/mL and 72.5 +/- 3.4 mIU/mL, respectively, for the highest dose studied (0.17 microgram/kg). Levels of LH peaked earlier but were lower than the FSH peak levels. CONCLUSIONS: Supraphysiological levels of gonadotropins are attained after the administration of ultralow doses of LA. The level of the response is dose-dependent and is in the range that is required to attain controlled ovarian hyperstimulation.
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the gonadotropin response to ultralow doses of a GnRH agonist, leuprolide acetate (LA). DESIGN: Prospective and cross-controlled. SETTING: Primate research center. SUBJECTS: Four reproductive age cycling baboons (Papio cyanocephalus). INTERVENTIONS: Three different doses of LA were given intravenously to each animal followed by serial sampling. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Response patterns of circulating serum gonadotropin levels. RESULTS: All four animals responded to each of the three doses of LA in a dose-dependent fashion. Levels of LH and FSH peaked at 49.5 +/- 2.6 mIU/mL and 72.5 +/- 3.4 mIU/mL, respectively, for the highest dose studied (0.17 microgram/kg). Levels of LH peaked earlier but were lower than the FSH peak levels. CONCLUSIONS: Supraphysiological levels of gonadotropins are attained after the administration of ultralow doses of LA. The level of the response is dose-dependent and is in the range that is required to attain controlled ovarian hyperstimulation.