Insulin-like growth factors as determinants of follicular fate.
OBJECTIVE
To review the English-language literature as it relates to the rat intraovarian insulin-like growth factor (IGF) system, special emphasis being placed on the hypotheses under study.


METHODS
A thorough literature review of the English-language literature.


RESULTS
Current data support the view that intraovarian IGF-I may act as an amplifier of gonadotropin hormonal action. The role of IGF-I as a determinant of follicular fate remains a matter of study.


CONCLUSIONS
The intraovarian IGF-I system may play a central role in ovarian physiology by amplifying gonadotropin hormonal action and, possibly, by playing a role in determining follicular fate.
Adashi
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Departments of Obstetrics/Gynecology and Physiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore 21201, USA.
D000818:Animals; D005260:Female; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000502:physiology; D005496:Follicular Atresia; D006107:Granulosa Cells / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D018969:Insulin-Like Growth Factor Binding Proteins / Q000502:physiology; D007334:Insulin-Like Growth Factor I / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000502:physiology*; D008954:Models, Biological; D006080:Ovarian Follicle / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*; D051381:Rats; D017526:Receptor, IGF Type 1 / Q000502:physiology; D013799:Theca Cells / Q000502:physiology
D018969:Insulin-Like Growth Factor Binding Proteins; D007334:Insulin-Like Growth Factor I; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone; D017526:Receptor, IGF Type 1