ARS | Publication request: FOLLICLE-STIMULATING HORMONE: A BRIEF REVIEW OF HORMONE STRUCTURE AND BIOPOTENCY

Submitted to: American Embryo Transfer Association
Publication Type: Review Article
Publication Acceptance Date: October 7, 1996
Publication Date: N/A

Technical Abstract: The embryo transfer industry today uses superovulation as the main procedure for the production of embryos. This procedure uses multiple injections of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) to induce multiple ovulations. A better understanding of the important structure-function relationships of this hormone can assist the animal production industry. Follicle-stimulating hormone is a member of the glycoprotein family of pituitary hormones. Carbohydrate chains form a critical component of the structure of FSH with regard to in vivo biopotency. The sialic acid component of these chains determines hormone half-life, and thereby biological potency when injected. Due to variations in sialic acid content in batches of FSH prepared for commercial embryo production, in vivo FSH bioassay prior to product release should be uniformly adopted throughout the industry. The Steelman-Pohley assay is recommended.