Mechanisms for dominant follicle selection in monovulatory species: a comparison of morphological, endocrine and intraovarian events in cows, mares and women

Mihm, M. and Evans, A.C.O. (2008) Mechanisms for dominant follicle selection in monovulatory species: a comparison of morphological, endocrine and intraovarian events in cows, mares and women. Reproduction in Domestic Animals, 43(S2), pp. 48-56. (doi: 10.1111/j.1439-0531.2008.01142.x)

Full text not currently available from Enlighten.

Abstract

The selection of a single ovarian follicle for further differentiation and finally ovulation is a shared phenomenon in monovulatory species from different phylogenetic classes. The commonality of dominant follicle (DF) development leads us to hypothesize that mechanisms for DF selection are conserved. This review highlights similarities and differences in follicular wave growth between cows, mares and women, addresses the commonality of the transient rises in FSH concentrations, and discusses the follicular secretions oestradiol and inhibin with their regulatory roles for FSH. In all three species, rising FSH concentrations induce the emergence of a follicle wave and cohort attrition occurs during declining FSH concentrations, culminating in DF selection. Cohort secretions are initially responsible for declining FSH, which is subsequently suppressed by the selected DF lowering it below the threshold of FSH requirements of all other cohort follicles. The DF acquires relative FSH-independence in order to continue growth and differentiation during low (cow, mare) or further declining FSH concentrations (women), and thus may be the one cohort follicle with the lowest FSH requirement due to enhanced FSH signalling. In all three monovulatory species a transition from FSH- to LH-dependence is postulated as the mechanism for the continued development of the selected DF. In addition, FSH and IGF enhance each other’s ability to stimulate follicle cell function and access of IGF-I and -II to the type 1 receptor is regulated by IGF binding proteins that are in turn regulated by specific proteases; all of which have been ascribed a role in DF development. No fundamental differences in DF selection mechanisms have been identified between the different species studied. Thus functional studies of the selection of DFs in cattle and mares are also valuable for identifying genes and pathways regulating DF development in women.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Mihm Carmichael, Dr Monika
Authors: Mihm, M., and Evans, A.C.O.
Subjects:Q Science > QP Physiology
College/School:College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Biodiversity, One Health & Veterinary Medicine
Journal Name:Reproduction in Domestic Animals
ISSN:0936-6768
ISSN (Online):1439-0531
Published Online:09 July 2008

University Staff: Request a correction | Enlighten Editors: Update this record