Effects of gonadotropin administration on follicular growth and in vitro fertilization in female hypogonadal mice.

Abstract

Folliculogenesis in female hypogonadal (hpg) mice was examined after treatment with exogenous gonadotropins. The female mutant mice were characterized by a deficiency of hypothalamic gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), leading to the absence of estrus and ovulation. Gonadotropin administration induced resumption of gonadal development and vaginal opening. The follicles that developed with gonadotropin treatment were very similar to those in normal littermates. The oocytes from hpg mice showed the capacity for fertilization and development to produce viable young after in vitro fertilization and embryo transplantation. Thus, the combination of the exogenous gonadotropin administration, in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer method appear to be helpful to breed mutant hpg mice efficiently.