In order to investigate the calcium metabolism in various stages of porcine ovarian follicles, changes of clacium concentration were measured in the follicular components. Follicles were isolated and grouped according to size (<3mm, 4-5mm, >6mm).
The
normal and atretic follicles were identified with pyknotic index (PI) of granulosa cell (normal follicle, PI<5%; atretic follicle, PI>20%). Calcium concentrations of follicular components (theca cell, granulosa cell, and follicular fluid) were
measured
with flame and graphite atomic absorption spectrophotometer.
@ES The results were as follows:
@EN In follicular phase ovarian follicles, calcium concentrations of granulosa cell and follicular fluid were increased according to the follicle growth. In contrast, the calcium concentrations of theca cells were slightly decreased. Calcium
concentrations of granulosa cell and follicular fluid of normal follicles were higher than those of atretic follicles than in normal follicles.
2. In luteal phase ovarian follicles, calcium concentrations of granulosa and theca cells were slightly changed according to follicle growth, but those of follicular fluid were increased.
3. In normal and atretic follicles, calcium concentrations of follicle components were higher in luteal phase than in follicular phase.
These results suggest that changes of calcium in follicular components may be important in follicle growth, atresia, and oocyte maturation.
|