Figure 13.

PTGS2 inhibitor prevents follicle rupture in women. (a and c) Ultrasound images show the preovulatory follicle antrum (dark circles) before the LH surge. (b) Placebo treatment (control) results in decreased size of the antrum, indicative of follicle rupture. (d) The PTGS2 inhibitor rofecoxib treatment yields a follicle which continued to enlarge without rupture. [Reproduced with permission from Pall M, Friden BE, Brannstrom M. Induction of delayed follicular rupture in the human by the selective COX-2 inhibitor rofecoxib: a randomized double-blind study. Hum Reprod 2001;16(7):1323–1328.]