Extrapituitary Actions of GnRH Antagonists: Prospects for in vitro Fertilization Programs

Title: Extrapituitary Actions of GnRH Antagonists: Prospects for in vitro Fertilization Programs

Volume: 18 Issue: 3

Author(s): Gianna Gabriella Impicciatore and Gian Mario Tiboni

Affiliation:

Keywords: GnRH, GnRH antagonists, Steroidogenesis, Folliculogenesis, Endometrium, In Vitro Fertilization, ovary, placenta, controlled ovarian stimulation (COS), endometrial receptivity

Abstract: Gonadotropin-releasing hormone antagonists (GnRH-ant) are routinely used to prevent premature luteinizing hormone (LH) surges in women undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) programs. GnRH-ant act by competitively binding GnRH receptors (GnRHr), leading to rapid pituitary suppression. GnRH-ant can also block extrapituitary GnRHr, including those present in ovary, placenta, and endometrium. A full understanding of the functional roles played by extrapitutary GnRHr, along with a better characterization of the possible reproductive consequences of their blockage may aid the refinement of controlled ovarian stimulation (COS) protocols using GnRHant. This review summarizes current research in the area, especially focusing on the possible impact of GnRH-ant on steroidogenesis, folliculogenesis and endometrial receptivity.

Cite this article as:

Gabriella Impicciatore Gianna and Mario Tiboni Gian, Extrapituitary Actions of GnRH Antagonists: Prospects for in vitro Fertilization Programs, Current Pharmaceutical Design 2012; 18 (3) . https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/138161212799040358