Growth factors in ovarian function

Medical Research Centre, Prince Henry's Hospital, St Kilda Road, Melbourne, Victoria 3004, Australia Keywords: ovary; granulosa; theca; growth factors The studies of the effects of epidermal growth factor (EGF) and fibroblast growth factor (FGF) on bovine granulosa cells under chemically defined conditions in vitro first indicated that these growth factors have a role in stimulation of follicle cell proliferation (Gospodarowicz et al., 1977). Even now, however, relatively few data in respect of the mitogenic action of these growth factors on follicle cells are available and most studies have concentrated on the role of growth factors in control of functional differentiation of follicle cells. This probably reflects the technical and interpretive difficulties associated with stimulation of follicle cell mitosis under defined conditions. It is now evident that a range of growth factors influence not only proliferation but also functional differentiation of ovarian follicle cells. The growth factors of specific interest are