CONCENTRATION OF INTERLEUKIN-1-BETA CORRELATES WITH PROSTAGLANDIN E(2) AND F2-ALPHA IN HUMAN PREOVULATORY FOLLICULAR-FLUID

To investigate the role(s) of interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta) in human ovarian function, we measured the concentrations of IL-1 beta, prostag landins (PGs) and steroids in follicular fluid of 90 stimulated ovarie s, with reference to oocyte maturation. Concentrations of IL-1 beta we re significantly higher in the follicles from which mature oocytes wer e recovered than in follicles from which oocytes could not be recovere d (P < 0.05). IL-1 beta concentrations also increased in association w ith oocyte maturation. Positive significant correlations were seen bet ween IL-1 beta and prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)) (r = 0.47, P < 0.001), and between IL-1 beta and prostaglandin F-2 alpha (PGF(2 alpha)) (r = 0.22, P < 0.05) in pre-ovulatory follicular fluid, but not between IL- 1 beta and oestradiol, or between IL-1 beta and progesterone. Follicul ar fluid IL-1 beta might contribute to prostaglandin-induced oocyte ma turation and ovulation.