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Open Access 01-12-2009 | Research

Luteal blood flow and luteal function

Authors: Akihisa Takasaki, Hiroshi Tamura, Ken Taniguchi, Hiromi Asada, Toshiaki Taketani, Aki Matsuoka, Yoshiaki Yamagata, Katsunori Shimamura, Hitoshi Morioka, Norihiro Sugino

Published in: Journal of Ovarian Research | Issue 1/2009

Abstract

Background

Blood flow in the corpus luteum (CL) is associated with luteal function. The present study was undertaken to investigate whether luteal function can be improved by increasing CL blood flow in women with luteal phase defect (LFD).

Methods

Blood flow impedance in the CL was measured by transvaginal color-pulsed-Doppler-ultrasonography and was expressed as a resistance index (RI). The patients with both LFD [serum progesterone (P) concentrations < 10 ng/ml during mid-luteal phase] and high CL-RI (≥ 0.51) were given vitamin-E (600 mg/day, n = 18), L-arginine (6 g/day, n = 14) as a potential nitric oxide donor, melatonin (3 mg/day, n = 13) as an antioxidant, or HCG (2,000 IU/day, n = 10) during the subsequent menstrual cycle.

Results

In the control group (n = 11), who received no medication to increase CL blood flow, only one patient (9%) improved in CL-RI and 2 patients (18%) improved in serum P. Vitamin-E improved CL-RI in 15 patients (83%) and improved serum P in 12 patients (67%). L-arginine improved CL-RI in all the patients (100%) and improved serum P in 10 patients (71%). HCG improved CL-RI in all the patients (100%) and improved serum P in 9 patients (90%). Melatonin had no significant effect.

Conclusion

Vitamin-E or L-arginine treatment improved luteal function by decreasing CL blood flow impedance. CL blood flow is a critical factor for luteal function.

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Title: Luteal blood flow and luteal function
Authors: Akihisa Takasaki
Hiroshi Tamura
Ken Taniguchi
Hiromi Asada
Toshiaki Taketani
Aki Matsuoka
Yoshiaki Yamagata
Katsunori Shimamura
Hitoshi Morioka
Norihiro Sugino
Publication date: 01-12-2009
Publisher: BioMed Central
Published in: Journal of Ovarian Research / Issue 1/2009
Electronic ISSN: 1757-2215
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/1757-2215-2-1

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Luteal blood flow and luteal function

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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