| Abstract: | The concentrations in follicular fluid (FF) of beta hCG, progesterone (P), estradiol (E2), androstenedione (A) and testosterone (T) by RIA were determined, in order to study the follicular micro-environment in stimulated cycles. Patients received either clomiphene with hMG plus hCG or hMG plus hCG. With increasing volume of FF (obtained at laparoscopy), P significantly increased (p less than 0.04) and hCG (p less than 0.0004) and T (p less than 0.05) significantly decreased with a borderline decrease in A (p less than 0.07). Progesterone also increased with advancing oocyte maturity. Beta-hCG and P were positively correlated with E2 and negatively correlated with A levels. It is suggested that FF hCG and progesterone levels may be markers of follicular development in stimulated cycles. |
