Effects of momorcharins on ovarian response to gonadotropin-induced superovulation in mice.

Alpha- and beta-momorcharins, which are abortifacient proteins isolated from Momordica charantia seeds, were tested for a possible effect on ovulation and plasma levels of ovarian steroids in mice induced to superovulate by PMSG and hCG. The plant proteins did not affect follicular recruitment and maturation as evidenced by ovarian histology and serum 17 beta-estradiol level. Both proteins diminished the number of oocytes ovulated when given on the day prior to or on the day of PMSG treatment, but not when given after the gonadotropin injection; they also increased the incidence of follicular atresia. The number of corpora lutea was slightly reduced by treatment with the proteins, but there was no long-term suppression of the serum progesterone level. After mating, animals which have previously been treated with the plant proteins underwent pregnancy resulting in a litter size similar to that of controls.