Effects of Gonadotrophins, Steroid Hormones, and Epidermal Growth Factor on the In Vitro Proliferation of Chicken Granulosa Cells

Effects of gonadotrophins, steroid hormones, and epidermal growth factor (EGF) on the in vitro proliferation of granulosa cells obtained from the second largest follicles of laying hens were examined. It was observed that follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone as well as EGF significantly promoted proliferation of these cells, unlike estradiol and progesterone. These results suggest that gonadotrophins as well as certain growth factors may be involved in proliferation of chicken granulosa cells.