Endocrine Abstracts

Initial follicle growth results in a number of distinct morphological changes, such as cuboidalisation and proliferation of the granulosa cells (GC) as well as an increase in oocyte size.Cell adhesion molecules and intercellular junctions play a pivotal role in changes in cell shape. We hypothesize that change in GC shape is key, and that increased understanding of changes in cell adhesion and associated junctions will provide insight into the regulation...

In rodents and other mammals, it is well established that the production of certain TGF-β members including Gdf9 and Bmp15 by oocytes is important for follicle development to proceed. It is believed that these growth factors form part of a short loop paracrine system to regulate gene expression in neighbouring follicle cells. We propose that one aspect of this feedback loop may involve the genomic modulation of TGF-β antagonists in granulosa cells by oocyte-secreted ...

Polycystic ovary syndrome is the commonest cause of anovulation. The mechanism of the aberrant follicle development that is associated with anovulation remains unclear. However, data from human studies and from animal models of PCOS suggest that excess androgen production, the biochemical hallmark of PCOS, has a role in disordered follicle development. The aim of this study was to examine the direct effect of androgens on isolated mouse preantral follicles in culture. Multilay...