Bioscientifica Proceedings

Early follicular growth refers to the development of an ovarian follicle from the primordial to early antral phase. In sheep and cows these phases of growth can be classified by the configuration of granulosal cells in the largest cross–section of the follicle as types 1 (primordial), la (transitory) 2 (primary), 3 and 4 (preantral) and 5 (early antral). Follicles classified as type 1 may be highly variable within each species with respect to number of granulosal cells an...

Commercial, North American pork breeds (Sus sada) experience significant loss of genetically-normal conceptuses during the peri-implantation (attachment) period and at mid-gestation (day 50 to 90 of the 114 day porcine gestation interval). Although exact causes for these losses are not defined, asynchronous in-utero development and deficits in vascularization of the endometrium and placenta appear to be involved. Understanding of normal maternal-fetal dialogue is critica...

Summary. Within 14 h of ovulation, follicular development in gilts was skewed towards a majority of mature follicles, based on their endocrine milieu. Oocyte maturation was also skewed, with a majority of the oocytes being meiotically more developed than the rest. Similarly, the pattern of ovulation in gilts was such that 70% of the follicles ovulated during a short period of time, while most of the remaining 30% ovulated over a more protracted period. Th...

The formation, normal function and destruction of corpora lutea are essential features of normal reproduction. Although the formation of corpora lutea from follicles is largely dependent on pituitary gonadotrophins, the process of luteolysis is locally regulated and poorly understood. The corpus luteum consists of several steroidogenic and nonsteroidogenic cell types that interact with each other in a paracrine manner. Under cell culture conditions, large luteal cells tha...

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 ...

Keywords: prolactin; ovarian function; luteal cells; steroidogenesis; pig© 1990 Journals of Reproduction & Fertility Ltd...

The cellular biology and changes in the extracellular matrix of ovarian follicles during their development are reviewed. During growth of the bovine ovarian follicle the follicular basal lamina doubles 19 times in surface area. It changes in composition, having collagen IV α1–26 and laminin α1, ß2 and γl at the primordial stage, and collagen IV α1 and α2, reduced amounts of α3–α5, and a higher content of laminin α1, ß...

The control of reproduction in goats is interesting for technical reasons (synchronization of kiddings, adjustment to forage availability or to economy), and for genetic reasons (identification and dissemination of improved genotypes). The use of short-light rhythms leads to markedly increased production of semen per buck and prevents occurrence of a ‘resting’ season. Recent identification of a bulbourethral lipase in goat spermatozoa opens new perspectives in sperm ...

Abstract unavailable© 1987 Journals of Reproduction & Fertility Ltd...

Summary. Changes in uterine blood flow throughout pregnancy appear to be due to steroid-induced alterations in uterine arterial tone and contractility. Arterial contractility is a transient reduction in luminal diameter in response to nerve stimulation or to an alpha-1 adrenergic agonist, leading to short-term reduction in uterine blood flow. Tone is the pressure exerted by an arterial segment against an intraluminal flow (distensibility) and is considere...