Biochemical Analysis of Bovine Follicular Fluid: Albumin, Total Protein, Lysosomal Enzymes, Ions, Steroids and Ascorbic Acid Content in Relation to Follicular Size, Rank, Atresia Classification and Day of Estrous Cycle

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Abstract
To investigate some biochemical changes during bovine follicle development, ovaries were obtained from cyclic heifers (7 to 11 heifers/d on each day of the 21-d estrous cycle; N = 152). Follicular fluid from the two largest follicles from both ovaries and a pool from small follicles (N = 30/cow) were collected from each animal and analyzed for ionic, enzymatic and endocrine changes in relation to day of the estrous cycle, follicle size, rank and atretic or growing status. Follicular fluid alkaline phosphatase activity and ascorbate concentrations were highest in all follicular sizes during the earlier portion of the estrous cycle (d 1 to 12; P<.05), then decreased to the lowest levels (d 13 to 21). As follicular size (diameter) increased lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), acid and alkaline phosphatase activity was reduced in follicular fluid (P<.05). Alkaline phosphatase and LDH activity tended to be increased in atretic follicles (P<.10), and was correlated with increased progesterone and androgen concentrations of follicular fluid (r=.4, P<.05). Both albumin and total protein concentrations decreased as follicular diameter increased (P<.05). Sodium concentrations in follicular fluid were greater in growing-antral than atretic follicles, and increased with follicular enlargement (P<.05). Follicular potassium concentrations increased as the estrous cycle progressed (P<.05), and tended to be elevated in atretic follicles (nonsignificant). Both Ca and Mg concentrations increased with follicular enlargement (P<.05). Dehydroepiandrosterone and testosterone were the predominant androgens in follicular fluid (androstenedione, the lowest concentration); their concentration decreased with follicle development (P<.05), but were quite variable. Estradiol was increased in growing follicles (P<.01). Estrone and estradiol concentrations increased as ovulation approached, particularly in small follicles (≤ 4 mm diameter). Changes of biochemical components found in follicular fluid that relate to the growth and atresia process may provide a more sensitive and accurate method to classify follicle status, and thus aid in understanding the complexity of events associated with maturation of the bovine follicle and oocyte. Copyright © 1987. American Society of Animal Science . Copyright 1987 by American Society of Animal Science

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