Survival of the embryo and establishment of a pregnancy is a critical period in the
reproductive function of female cattle. This review examines how the transforming growth …

Contents Ovarian physiology is controlled by endocrine and paracrine signals, and the
transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) superfamily has a pivotal role in this control. The Bone …

Abstract Bone morphogenetic protein 15 (BMP15) and members of the fibroblast growth
factor (FGF) family are expressed by the oocyte and are involved in the control of cumulus …

Acquisition of developmental competency in cumulus oocyte complexes (COCs) is derived
from endocrine hormones and oocyte secreted factors. The contribution of these factors in …

Two related oocyte-derived members of the transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β)
superfamily, namely growth differentiation factor 9 (GDF9) and bone morphogenetic protein …

Background The full maturational capability of mammalian oocytes is accompanied by
nuclear and cytoplasmic modifications, which are associated with proliferation and …

Our current perspectives on the relationship between the oocyte and its surrounding somatic
cells are changing as we gain a greater understanding of factors regulating folliculogenesis …

The strategies for improving the in vitro maturation (IVM) of domestic animal oocytes focus
on promoting nuclear and cytoplasmic maturation. The identification of paracrine factors and …

In vitro oocyte growth is the essential technology which enables oocytes to achieve
maturation and acquire the competence for subsequent manipulation. There is increasing …

In sheep, as in other mammals, ovarian follicular growth is regulated mainly by intraovarian
growth factors during early development with pituitary hormones increasingly important …