Abstract
The level of immunoreactive beta-endorphin-like (IR-β-EP) material(s) was determined in follicular fluid samples obtained from patients treated for in vitro fertilization (IVF). Follicles containing morphologically mature oocytes had slightly lower concentrations of IR-β-EP. The total IR-β-EP content was similar in follicles with oocytes at different degrees of maturity. A smaller amount of IR-β-EP in the follicle fluid was associated with a greater developmental potential of the oocytes, which formed embryos that reached the three- to six-cell stage at 40–44 hr after insemination (r=−0.35, P<0.026). A higher IR-β-EP content was seen in fluid samples containing oocytes that remained uncleaved after fertilization (P<0.05 by Duncan's multiple-range test).
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Tam, P.P.L., Ng, T.B. & Mao, K.R. Beta-Endorphin levels in the preovulatory follicles and the outcome of in vitro fertilization. J Assist Reprod Genet 5, 91–95 (1988). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01130665
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01130665