How follicle number is regulated in the ovary of the lizardPodarcis sicula?

To verify the existence of a mechanism controlling follicle recruitment in Podarcis sicula the role of photothermal and/or ovarian factors in follicle number was investigated. Adult females were exposed to partial or total unilateral ovariectomy or to hormone administration in April, at the beginning of the reproductive period, and in November, during fall recrudescence. The effects of treatments were determined after 14, 21 and 40 days. Results demonstrated that follicle recruitment was stimulated by favourable photothermal conditions and inhibited by the release of a diffusible factor secreted by large previtellogenic follicles.