Luteotrophic effects of relaxin, chorionic gonadotrophin and FSH in common marmoset monkeys (Callithrix jacchus)

In early pregnant primates, relaxin (RLX) is highly upregulated within the corpus luteum (CL), suggesting that RLX may have an important role in the implantation of the blastocyst. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate the local effects of RLX and gonadotrophins on the maintenance of the CL using an in vitro microdialysis system. CLs of common marmoset monkeys were collected by luteectomy during different stages of the luteal phase and early pregnancy. Each CL was perfused with either Ringer's solution alone or Ringer's solution supplemented with either porcine RLX (250, 500 and 1000 ng/ml) or gonadotrophins (50 IU/ml). Application of RLX provoked a significant luteal response of progesterone (P-4) and oestradiol (E-2) secretions during the mid-luteal phase (500 ng/ml: P-4 54 +/- 42%, E-2 24 +/- 11%; 1000 ng/ml: E-2 16 +/- 13%), and especially during the late luteal phase (250 ng/ml: P-4 53 +/- 10%; 500 ng/ml: P-4 44 +/- 15%; 1000 ng/ml: P-4 62 +/- 15%, E-2 18 +/- 7%). The effects of RLX on steroid secretion were irrespective of the RLX dosages. While treatment with human chorionic gonadotrophin did not affect luteal steroid or RLX secretion, the application of FSH resulted in a significant increase in the secretion of both P-4 (20 +/- 8%) and E-2 (37 +/- 28%), and a prominent rise in RLX during early pregnancy. In conclusion, our results demonstrate that RLX and FSH have a luteotrophic function in the marmoset monkeys; moreover, FSH has a function beyond its traditional role just as a follicle-stimulating hormone. Reproduction (2010) 139 923-930