Progestogen treatments for cycle management in a sheep model of assisted conception affect the growth patterns, the expression of luteinizing hormone receptors, and the progesterone secretion of induced corpora lutea

ObjectiveTo determine, in a sheep model, the effect of a short-term progestative treatment on growth dynamics and functionality of induced corpora lutea.DesignObservational, model study.SettingPublic university.Patient(s)Sixty adult female sheep.Intervention(s)Synchronization and induction of ovulation with progestogens and prostaglandin analogues; ovarian ultrasonography, blood sampling, and ovariectomy.Main Outcome Measure(s)Determination of pituitary function and morphologic characteristics, expression of luteinizing hormone (LH) receptors, and progesterone secretion of corpora lutea.Result(s)The use of progestative pretreatments for assisted conception affect the growth patterns, the expression of LH receptors, and the progesterone secretion of induced corpora lutea.Conclusion(s)The current study indicates, in a sheep model, the existence of deleterious effects from progestogens on functionality of induced corpora lutea.