Pharmacological Characterization of Low Molecular Weight Biased Agonists at the Follicle Stimulating Hormone Receptor.

Follicle-stimulating hormone receptor (FSHR) plays a key role in reproduction through the activation of multiple signaling pathways. Low molecular weight (LMW) ligands composed of biased agonist properties are highly valuable tools to decipher complex signaling mechanisms as they allow selective activation of discrete signaling cascades. However, available LMW FSHR ligands have not been fully characterized yet.

Leukemia inhibitory factor induces cumulus expansion in immature human and mouse oocytes and improves mouse two-cell rate and delivery rates when it is present during mouse in vitro oocyte maturation.

Objective: To examine the role of leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) during in vitro maturation (IVM) on human and mice cumulus expansion and mice oocyte competence by in vitro fertilization (IVF), culture, and embryo transfer (ET).

Design: Prospective animal and human study.

Setting: Serono laboratories and IVF clinic.