Studies of the paracrine role of inhibin A/activin A in ovulation [ 2002 - 2004 ]

Research Grant

Researchers: A/Pr Peter Illingworth (Principal investigator) ,  Prof David Handelsman

Brief description This project aims to study the biochemical processes associated with normal egg maturation and release. Two mouse models will be used. One will involve culturing mouse ovarian tissue and inducing ovulation to study the processes. The other will involve study of gene expression in a mouse ovary around ovulation. The progressive accumulation of knowledge about the processes of ovulation will greatly improve our ability as doctors to manipulate ovulation in clinical practice. This will make an enormous difference to women s health in the following areas: contraception, the possibility of development of new methods of contraception that block egg release without affecting the normal ovarian cycle endocrinology; fertility treatment, better methods of obtaining mature oocytes without subjecting women to high dose gonadotrophin treatment and the accompanying sequelae; improving knowledge of the factors that promote satisfactory oocyte maturation and embryo development so that with improved implantation rates, fewer embryos need be replaced to achieve a pregnancy.

Funding Amount $AUD 226,320.00

Funding Scheme NHMRC Project Grants

Notes Standard Project Grant