PLATELET-ACTIVATING FACTOR-ACETYLHYDROLASE ACTIVITY IN FOLLICULAR-FLUID OF PATIENTS UNDERGOING IN-VITRO FERTILIZATION AND EMBRYO-TRANSFER

Objective: To examine the role of platelet-activating factor (PAF) metabolism in the periovulatory processes. Design: The PAF-acetylhydrolase activity in the follicular fluid (FF) obtained in conjunction with IVF-ET procedure was assayed and its activity was related to oocyte maturation. The PAF-acetylhydrolase activity also was related to the concentration of various ovarian hormones. Setting: All patients were managed and treated at Oita Medical University Hospital, Oita, Japan. Patients: The study concerned 30 women between 28 and 36 years of age with tubal infertility. Main Outcome Measure: The activity of PAF-acetylhydrolase in FF was assayed as well as E(2) and P. Oocyte maturation also was evaluated. Results: Platelet activating factor-acetylhydrolase activity was decreased significantly in the FFs of patients with a successful outcome of their pregnancies compared with the nonsuccessful group. Estradiol levels were negatively correlated with PAF-acetylhydrolase activities in the FFs. No correlation was found between the PAF-acetylhydrolase activity and P concentration in the FF. Significantly more mature and less immature oocytes were recovered in the group who subsequently became pregnant compared with the nonpregnant group. Conclusions: It is suggested that the decrease in PAF-acetylhydrolase activity may result in an increase of PAF in the FFs, which in turn may contribute to a successful pregnancy. The determination of PAF-acetylhydrolase activity in FF may serve as a prognostic marker for the evaluation of oocytes that are utilized in IVF-ET procedure.