Estrogens, androgens, and progestins in follicular fluid from preovulatory follicles: identification and quantification by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry associated with stable isotope dilution.

The synthesis and use of stable isotope-labeled analogs of various steroids have made it possible to undertake a study of follicular fluid (FF) aspirated from mature and preovulatory follicles. Our previous results have been brought together here in order to review quantitative work done by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. A positive gradient between peripheral plasma and FF concentrations of a steroid suggests the possibility of ovarian biosynthesis. This is particularly relevant to the catecholestrogens, 19-norsteroids, and some corticosteroids.