RESUMO
Recently, the ovary is known to be a center of paracrine and autocrine rehulating factors. IGF-I is a local regulator of follicular function and a poten stimulator of ovarian cell proliferation and differentiation, in synergy will the gonadotrophins, whilst GH may exert its effect by changing intra-ovarian IGF-I concentration. Inbiological fluids, IGFs are bound to specific, high affinity binding proteins(IGFBP). The IGFBPs are considered paracrine modulators of the action of IGF-I in the ovary. The aim of the study is to elucidate relationships amongst IGF-I, IGFBP-3, GH and estadiol in mature follicular fluids or serum. Thirty-six infertility patients who underwent ovulation induction program by GnRH agonist short or long protocol for in vitro fertilization (IVF) were examined to investigate the correlations amongst the concentration of IGF-I, IGFBP-3, GH and estradiol in follicular fluid or serum. These hormones were quantitatively anayzed by radioimmunoassay(RIA) or Immunoradiometric assay(IRMA). There were statistically significant correlations between the concentration of IGF-I and GH, IGFBP-3 in follicular fluid. Therefore, GH tends to increase IGF-I levels in follicular fluid and IGF-I may functions as an important regulator of IGFBP-3 synthesis in follicular fluid, but IGFBP-3 is not likely to be under the direct control of GH in follicular fluid.