Abnormal lipoprotein metabolism and reversible female infertility in HDL receptor (SR-BI)-deficient mice

Mammalian female fertility depends on complex interactions between the ovar y and the extraovarian environment (e.g., the hypothalamic-hypophyseal ovar ian axis). The role of plasma lipoproteins in fertility was examined using HDL-receptor SR-BI knockout (KO) mice. SR-BI KO females have abnormal HDLs, ovulate dysfunctional oocytes, and are infertile. Fertility was restored w hen the structure and/or quantity of abnormal HDL was altered by inactivati ng the apoAI gene or administering the cholesterol-lowering drug probucol. This suggests that abnormal lipoprotein metabolism can cause murine inferti lity - implying a functional hepatic-ovarian axis - and may contribute to s ome forms of human female infertility.