Disabling Mouse Enzyme Increases Fertility
Posted on: Wednesday, 21 May 2008, 15:00 CDT
A U.S. study shows changing the sugars attached to a hormone produced in the pituitary gland of mice increased fertility levels by nearly 50 percent.
The scientists at the Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis said the change apparently alters a reproductive thermostat, unveiling part of an intricate regulatory system that might one day be used to enhance human fertility.
To adjust for the right amount of key reproductive hormones such as estrogen and testosterone, we may someday alter the sugars that are added to this hormone or others like it, said Dr. Jacques Baenziger, a professor of pathology, immunology, cell biology and physiology, who led the study.
The report appeared in the April 21 issue of The Journal of Clinical Investigation.
Source: United Press International
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