Reproduction Abstracts

Introduction: Female mammals are born with a finite reserve of primordial follicles which dictates the reproductive lifespan. Despite this the factors responsible for primordial follicle activation remain largely unknown. The transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ) superfamily has been implicated in early follicle development however little attention has been given to the effects of TGFβ2, expression of which has been demonstrated in the ovary. This study aimed to exa...

The onset of mammalian follicle development is marked by granulosa cell (GC) proliferation, GC shape change, and oocyte growth. Despite their critical role in female fertility the factors and mechanisms underlying these cellular changes remain largely unknown. The transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ) superfamily has been strongly implicated in early follicle growth. Disruption of the function or expression of members of the TGFβ superfamily, receptors or key compon...