Inhibition of Ovulation by Antibiotics

Abstract

Ovulation can be blocked by the injection of actinomycin D, puromycin, or cycloheximide directly into the mature graafian follicle Puromycin and cycloheximide are effective in 10 μg amounts. They are most effective when administered up to 3 hr after coitus. Beyond this interval they are decreasingly effective. Puromycin caused destruction of the granulosa. Actinomycin D or cycloheximide induced no apparent macroscopic or microscopic changes and these follicles were able to respond to a subsequent dose of HCG 24 hr later by ovulating. After puromycin the follicles became cystic and did not ovulate following injection of HCG. The postcoital inhibition studies support the concept that RNA and protein synthesis are necessary precursors to ovulation. (Endocrinology79: 858, 1966)