Abstract: | To investigate the role(s) of interleukin-1 (IL-1) in humanovarian function, we measured the concentrations of IL1,prostaglandins (PGs) and steroids in follicular fluid of 90stimulated ovaries, with reference to oocyte maturation. Concentrationsof IL-1 were significantly higher in the follicles from whichmature oocytes were recovered than in follicles from which oocytescould not be recovered (P < 0.05). IL-1 concentrations alsoincreased in association with oocyte maturation. Positive significantcorrelations were seen between IL-1 and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2)(r = 0.47, P < 0.001), and between IL-1 and prostaglandinF2 (PGF2) (r = 0.22, P < 0.05) in pre-ovulatory follicularfluid, but not between IL1 and oestradiol, or betweenIL-1 and oestradiol, or between IL-1 and progesterone. 0Follicularfluid IL-1 might contribute to prostaglandin-induced oocytematuration and ovulation. |