Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 16, 2026

Extraction, Labeling, and Purification of Lineage-Specific Cells from Human Antral Follicles
Published on: November 30, 2022
Proteolytic mechanisms in the ovulatory folliculo-luteal transformation
William J Murdoch1, Michelle L Gottsch
1Department of Animal Science and Reproductive Biology Program, University of Wyoming, Laramie, Wyoming 82071, USA. wmurdoch@uwyo.edu
Abstract:
The connective tissue matrix of the wall of ovarian follicles is degraded and remodeled during ovulatory rupture and formation of the corpus luteum. Ovarian surface epithelial cells in close contact with the apical wall of preovulatory ovine follicles secrete a urokinase-type plasminogen activator in response to surge levels of gonadotropins. Urokinase activates latent collagenases and stimulates release of tumor necrosis factor alpha from thecal endothelium. Tumor necrosis factor alpha progressively induces matrix metalloproteinase gene expression, apoptosis, and inflammatory necrosis. Collagenolysis and cellular death are a prelude to stigma formation and ovarian rupture. Ovulation is blocked by intrafollicular injection of TNFalpha or MMP-2 antisera. Unruptured follicles luteinize but are deficient in collagenous/vascularized trabeculae, and produce less progesterone than their control luteal counterparts. It appears that TNFalpha, via MMP-2 induction, contributes to the reorganization of an ovulatory follicle into a fully competent corpus luteum.
More Related Videos
09:11Isolation of Small Preantral Follicles from the Bovine Ovary Using a Combination of Fragmentation, Homogenization, and Serial Filtration
Published on: September 27, 2022
05:04Separation of Avian Preovulatory Follicle Granulosa and Theca Cell Layers for Downstream Applications
Published on: October 25, 2024
Related Concept Videos
Oogenesis
Hormonal Regulation of the Menstrual Cycle
At puberty, GnRH begins a pulsatile release pattern, which triggers the anterior pituitary gland to secrete follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). The frequency and amplitude of GnRH pulses vary across the menstrual cycle, with faster pulses favoring LH release and slower pulses favoring FSH release.
Ovarian Cycle
Oogenesis
Each primary oocyte is surrounded by a layer of pre-granulosa cells, forming what is known...
Folliculogenesis
Hormonal Control of the Ovarian Cycle
Before puberty, the hypothalamus releases GnRH in a low frequency, low amplitude pulsatile manner. This along with the immature hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis activity, results in low estrogen levels and the absence of a fully functional ovarian cycle. At puberty, GnRH secretion increases in both frequency and...