Dynamics of follicular fluid in one-humped camel (Camelus dromedarius)

In the present study, ovarian follicular fluid and serum biochemical, hormonal, electrolytes and amino acids profiles in female dromedary camel (Camelus dromedarius), were investigated. Fluid from small (2-6 mm) and large follicles (7-20 mm) and blood samples were collected from 25 clinically healthy adult female camels. The concentrations of glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides, high-density lipoproteins, urea, total proteins, albumin, globulin, fibrinogen, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase and tri-iodothyronine were lower (p < or = 0.05) in large follicles when compared with the small follicles. However, the concentrations of low-density lipoproteins, uric acid, creatinine, alkaline phosphatase and acid phosphatase in small and large follicles did not differ. The concentrations of oestradiol 17-beta and progesterone were higher (p < or = 0.05) in large follicles. The serum concentrations of these hormones were many folds lower (p < or = 0.05) than those of follicular fluid. Among electrolytes, the concentration of phosphorus was higher (p < or = 0.05) in the large follicles, while that of potassium and chloride were lower (p < or = 0.05) in the small follicles. Serum concentrations of sodium, chloride, calcium and phosphorous were higher (p < or = 0.05), while that of potassium lower (p < or = 0.05) than corresponding concentrations in the follicular fluid. The concentrations of leucine and arginine were higher (p < or = 0.05) in follicular fluid when compared with serum concentrations, while the reverse was true for other amino acids. In conclusion, this study is indicative of either low or high concentrations of certain biochemical metabolites, hormones, electrolytes and amino acids in small and large follicles for the individual roles that they play in the growth and development of follicles in the one-humped she-camel.