Concentrations of vitamin A, beta-carotene and vitamin E in individual bovine follicles of different quality.
The degree of atresia of the follicle had no influence on the intrafollicular concentrations of beta-carotene, vitamin E and cholesterol. This might result from the passive transfer of these substances from blood to follicular fluid bound to high density lipoproteins. However, concentrations of vitamin A in follicular fluid were significantly (P less than 0.001) influenced by follicle quality, with highest concentrations (0.32 microgram/ml) in non-atretic follicles and lowest values (0.15 microgram/ml) in greatly atretic follicles. The higher concentrations of vitamin A in healthy follicles might be due to a local conversion of beta-carotene into vitamin A in follicular structures. By influencing hormone and protein synthesis, vitamin A may have a potential for local modulation of follicular development and therefore be one of the factors controlling recruitment, selection and growth of the dominant follicle in cattle.
Schweigert
F J
FJ
Institute of Physiology, Physiological Chemistry and Nutrition Physiology, Veterinary Faculty, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, West Germany.
Zucker
H
H
D000818:Animals; D002338:Carotenoids / Q000032:analysis*; D002417:Cattle / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D005298:Fertility; D008297:Male; D006080:Ovarian Follicle / Q000032:analysis*; D014801:Vitamin A / Q000032:analysis*; D014810:Vitamin E / Q000032:analysis*; D019207:beta Carotene
D019207:beta Carotene; D014801:Vitamin A; D014810:Vitamin E; D002338:Carotenoids