Award details

Control of proliferation and differentiation of ovarian granulosa and theca cells in cattle and sheep

Reference	BBS/E/R/03780609
Principal Investigator / Supervisor	Dr David Armstrong
Co-Investigators / Co-Supervisors
Institution	The Roslin Institute
Department	The Roslin Institute Department
Funding type	Research
Value (£)	155,299
Status	Completed
Type	Institute Project
Start date	01/04/1997
End date	31/03/1998
Duration	12 months

Abstract

Reproductive performance of ruminants is a major determinant for efficient production. An improved understanding of the physiological and molecular mechanisms that control ovarian follicular growth would underpin the development of approaches which could benefit the UK agricultural industry by 0.5 billion pounds per annum. For a follicle to reach the preovulatory stage the two major cell types, theca and granulosa cells, pass through a number of developmental stages. This developmental continuum requires the interaction of both systemic and locally produced stimulatory and inhibitory factors, which act at key points during the process of follicular development and atresia. The aim is to identify the primary factors, produced by follicles, which regulate this process. The work is based on the use of recently developed culture systems which exhibit physiologically relevant responses to known stimulators of follicular development, including maintenance and induction of oestradiol and testosterone production by ruminant granulosa and theca cells respectively. The interaction of peripheral hormones with locally produced growth factors is being investigated in vitro and compared to responses in vivo. The expression of the genes for these locally produced factors and their receptors are also being correlated with known markers for cellular differentiation, including peripheral hormone receptors and steroid production. This work is being carried out in collaboration with Professors Garverick and Smith ( University of Missouri), and Dr's Bramley and Campbell (University of Edinburgh).

Summary

unavailable

Committee	Closed Committee - Animal Sciences (AS)
Research Topics	X – not assigned to a current Research Topic
Research Priority	X – Research Priority information not available
Research Initiative	X - not in an Initiative
Funding Scheme	X – not Funded via a specific Funding Scheme

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