CYTOKINES IN THE HUMAN OVARY - PRESENCE IN FOLLICULAR-FLUID AND CORRELATION WITH LEUKOTRIENE B-4

Purpose: This study was undertaken to correlate the follicular levels of interleukin (IL)-1 alpha, IL-2, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-al pha), and leukotriene (LT) B-4 With oocyte maturity, fertilization, an d achievement of pregnancy. Methods: The material was obtained from 22 women undergoing IVF, 8 of whom became pregnant and 14 of whom did no t. Results: All of the studied cytokines and LT Bq were found in folli cular fluids, but there were no significant differences according to o ocyte maturity, fertilization, embryo quality, and achievement of preg nancy. On the other hand, a significant positive correlation was found between IL-1 alpha and TNF-alpha, IL-1 alpha, and LT B-4 as well as b etween TNF-alpha and LT B-4 in follicular fluids with subsequently fer tilized oocytes. Conclusions: It seems that IL-1 alpha, TNF-alpha and LT B-4 may take part in the process of follicle wall degradation, and their follicular correlations may suggest more optimal follicular and oocyte development and maturation.