Bioscientifica Proceedings

Summary. The ovarian follicle is a key component for determining a female’s reproductive potential; however, the mechanisms regarding the factors that control formation of follicles are not well understood. Within a species, the number of follicles formed in the ovary can vary considerably among individuals. While we are beginning to better characterize the processes required for follicle formation, much still needs to be determined regarding the factors ...

Summary. Theca cells are essential for female reproduction being the source of androgens that are precursors for follicular oestrogen synthesis and also signal through androgen receptors (AR) in the ovary and elsewhere. Theca cells arise from mesenchymal cells around the secondary follicle stage. Their recruitment, proliferation and cytodifferentiation are influenced, directly or indirectly, by paracrine signals from granulosa cells and oocyte although uncerta...

Summary. The progress in understanding the metabolism of the ruminant cumulus-oocyte complex (COC) from large antral follicles has progressed significantly in the past decade. In particular, new insights in the importance of lipid metabolism, ß-oxidation and its relationship to oxidative phosphorylation within oocytes have emerged. This provides opportunities for tapping into the potential yield of ATP from lipid metabolism, as ATP content is a major dete...