QUICK SEARCH:   [advanced] Author: Keyword(s): Year:  Vol:  Page:

This Article Full Text Full Text (PDF) All Versions of this Article: jpet.104.080051v1 313/3/935    most recent Submit a response Alert me when this article is cited Alert me when eLetters are posted Alert me if a correction is posted Citation Map Services Similar articles in this journal Similar articles in PubMed Alert me to new issues of the journal Download to citation manager Citing Articles Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by Feinberg, E. C. Articles by Catherino, W. H. Search for Related Content PubMed PubMed Citation Articles by Feinberg, E. C. Articles by Catherino, W. H.

PERSPECTIVES IN PHARMACOLOGY

The Evolution of in Vitro Fertilization: Integration of Pharmacology, Technology, and Clinical Care

Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland (E.C.F., J.G.B., W.H.C.); Combined Federal Fellowship in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland (E.C.F., W.H.C.); and Georgetown University Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Pasquerilla Healthcare Center, Georgetown University Hospital, Washington, DC (J.G.B.)

For the couple having trouble achieving pregnancy, the options and opportunities for assistance have never been brighter. Options such as controlled ovarian hyperstimulation, in vitro fertilization, and intracytoplasmic sperm injection have been developed over the past five decades and provide hope for couples that previously would have been considered infertile. In vitro fertilization and intracytoplasmic sperm injection represent a coalescence of advances in physiology, endocrinology, pharmacology, technology, and clinical care. In vitro fertilization has assisted well over one million couples in their efforts to start or build a family, and the demand for such services continues to increase. The purpose of this manuscript is to review the pharmacological advances that made controlled ovarian hyperstimulation, and therefore in vitro fertilization and intracytoplasmic sperm injection, possible. We will discuss the early stages of gonadotropin use to stimulate ovarian production of multiple mature eggs, the advances in recombinant technology that allowed purified hormone for therapy, and the use of other hormones to regulate the menstrual cycle such that the likelihood of successful oocyte retrieval and embryo implantation is optimized. Finally, we will review current areas that require particular attention if we are to provide more opportunity for infertile couples.

Address correspondence to: Dr. William H. Catherino, Building A, Room 3077, 4301 Jones Bridge Road, Bethesda, MD 20814. E-mail: catheriw{at}mail.nih.gov