OBJECTIVE

Using hyperstimulated rats, to elucidate the mechanisms of gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist (GnRH-a) treatment to prevent early ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS).

DESIGN

Descriptive study of hyperstimulated rats as an early OHSS model with Western blot analysis, Northern blot hybridization, and vascular permeability assay.

SETTING

Experimental laboratory research.

ANIMAL(S): Sprague-Dawley female rats were used for collecting ovarian samples.

INTERVENTION(S): Hyperstimulated rats received consecutive GnRH-a treatment from the start of pregnant mare serum gonadotropin (PMSG) treatment through 2 days after hCG administration.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Expressions of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), VEGF receptor-1 (VEGFR-1: Flt-1), VEGF receptor-2 (VEGFR-2: KDR/Flk-1), and vascular permeability by Evans blue leakage.

RESULT(S): GnRH-a treatment significantly reduced expressions of VEGF, VEGFR-1, and VEGFR-2 both in mRNA and protein levels in the ovaries of hyperstimulated rats. GnRH-a treatment also reduced vascular permeability in the ovaries of hyperstimulated rats.

CONCLUSION(S): It is speculated that GnRH-a treatment may prevent early OHSS by reducing vascular permeability through the decrease in VEGF and its receptors.