Peptide Regulators in the Ovarian Follicle

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Abstract
Data generated within the last several years have shown that follicular fluid contains substances, presumably peptide in nature, which exert potentially important effects on granulosa cells and the oocyte. This review briefly summarizes the current evidence concerning the nature and importance of these putative regulators including the luteinization inhibitor, oocyte maturation inhibitor, inhibitors of the binding of luteinizing hormone and FSH, stimulators of ornithine decarboxylase and intrafollicular peptides with gonadotropin-releasing activity. Although the existence of such activities was clearly demonstrated, the evidence for a regulatory role of these agents in the control of ovarian physiology is not compelling. Their occurrence must now be taken into account in attempts to understand the mechanism of follicular growth, differentiation and atresia.