Intra-ovarian regulation of follicular maturation is modulated by various factors. Among these, growth factors are important local actors. We examined the immunohistochemical localization of transforming growth factor alpha (TGF-alpha), epidermal growth factor (EGF) and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGF-R) in 18 human ovaries. The concentration of TGF-alpha and EGF in follicular fluid was m...

Recently it has been shown that vitamin D(3) acting via its cognate receptor (VDR) regulates the growth, differentiation and function of female reproductive tissues including ovary. The aim of the study was to examine the effect of testosterone (T) and its antagonist 2-hydroxyflutamide (HF) on VDR protein expression and function in porcine ovarian follicles. Medium size antral follicles express...

The granulosa cells are believed to originate from ovarian surface epithelial mesothelium or possibly from the rete ovarii.[77] The cohort of granulosa cells that surrounds each oocyte has an oligoclonal origin, with three to five parent cells giving rise to the full complement of granulosa cells in a mature follicle.[78] Granulosa cells receive no direct blood supply, and because a basal lamin...

The earliest stages of ovarian follicular development, follicle formation and development the capacity to activate, are critical size reserve. In primates most domestic animals, these occur during fetal life thus, difficult study. Our laboratory has used cattle, an excellent model for human elucidate regulation early in bovine tissue vitro. experiments described here were designed determine if ...

This review resulted from an international workshop and presents a consensus view of critical advances over the past decade in our understanding follicle function ruminants. The major concepts covered include: (1) value genes; (2) dynamics fetal ovarian development its sensitivity to nutritional environmental influences; (3) concept reserve, aligned with rise anti-Müllerian hormone as controlle...