SELECTIVE BINDING OF GONADOTROPHINS AND THE CONTROL OF FOLLICULAR GROWTH AND ATRESIA

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses selective binding of gonadotrophins and the control of follicular growth and atresia. The number of ovarian follicles developing to a stage, at which ovulation is possible, is determined by the interaction of the rate at which primordial or nonproliferative follicles are induced to enter the proliferative phase of growth and the proportion of proliferative follicles that undergo the degenerative process—atresia. The rate at which follicles are influenced by the hormonal milieu to progress through the various growth phases to become capable of ovulation can also be an important determinant at particular stages of the reproductive cycle. Changes within the follicular components or environment will alter the growth and maturation of the follicle and can lead to atresia. Atresia can represent many different processes depending on the stage of follicular development and the follicular tissue being examined. Follicular growth and maturation, particularly from the time of antrum formation, depends on the support of pituitary gonadotrophins.