FSH and the control of follicular growth.
During 70 days or so from the time of recruitment until just before the beginning of the cycle during which a follicle is destined to ovulate, folliculogenesis is a continuous process dependent on gonadotrophins but independent of the fluctuations in their concentrations occurring during this time. For follicle growth to continue beyond the 2-4 cell antral stage FSH concentrations must rise above a certain threshold level at the correct time. Once threshold levels are exceeded a single follicle becomes dominant suppressing FSH concentrations to subthreshold values. The period during which FSH concentrations are above threshold can be imagined as a gate through which a follicle must pass if it is to ovulate.
Glasier
A F
AF
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Edinburgh, Scotland.
Baird
D T
DT
Hillier
S G
SG
D000818:Animals; D005260:Female; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone / Q000502:physiology*; D005496:Follicular Atresia; D006801:Humans; D008251:Macaca; D008597:Menstrual Cycle; D006080:Ovarian Follicle / Q000502:physiology*
D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone