Reproduction Abstracts

Introduction: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common cause of anovulatory infertility affecting over 5% of the female population. PCOS is characterized by aberrant early follicle development in which hyperandrogenism is thought to play a key role. However, the molecular mechanisms of androgen action within the ovary remain largely unknown. Recent evidence suggests androgens may be acting, in part, through modulation of growth factor signalling. We have recently sh...

Hyperandrogenism and dysregulated follicle development both characterise polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), however little is known about how androgens affect early preantral follicle development. Recent evidence suggests that androgens may act, in part, through non-classical modulation of growth factor signalling pathways. Members of the epidermal growth factor (EGF) family play a role in promoting preantral follicle development in the mouse, with receptor subtypes EGFR, ErbB2...