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In vitro effects of dexamethasone on mouse ovarian function and pre-implantation embryo development.

Van Merris V, Van Wemmel K, Cortvrindt R

EggCentris N.V., Z1 Researchpark 310, B-1731 Zellik, Belgium.

The effect of dexamethasone (5-80mug/ml) on ovarian function and embryo development was studied in mice. The follicle bio-assay revealed no effects of DEX up to 40mug/ml on folliculogenesis and oogenesis, whereas 80mug/ml hampered follicle differentiation and oocyte maturation. Androgen, estrogen and progestin secretion patterns were strongly impaired at all doses levels. However, the ovulation-induced progesterone increase indicating that the steroid pathway was activated in presence of DEX. Applying the oil-free mouse embryo assay no alteration of DEX on the first cleavage stages were observed whereas blastocyst rate decreased from 20mug/ml DEX onwards, and hatching capacity was already impaired in presence of 10mug/ml DEX. In conclusion, steroidogenesis was affected from 5mug/ml onwards and the minimum effective inhibitory dose was set at 10mug/ml for early embryo development. Based on these in vitro findings, physiological or therapeutic levels of glucocorticosteroids are unlikely to affect female fertility.

Published 8 January 2007 in Reprod Toxicol, 23(1): 32-41.
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