Ovarian follicle dynamics in the rat: regulation and flexibility

Reproduction is the most important factor for the maintenance of a species. The key event in this process Is fertilization: combination of haploid cells from male and female parents, spermatozoon and oocyte, respectively. Before spermatozoa and oocytes are formed and ready for fertilization many processes have taken place. which are very different for spermatozoa and oocytes. One of the most striking differences is the continuous production of newly formed spermatozoa in the fertile male, while the formation of oocytes is already complete before birth. The oocyte is surrounded by supporting cells. In the complex of the oocyte with the surrounding cells, called the follicle, close collaboration exists between the oocyte and the surrounding cells. The main part of this thesis describes the dynamics of follicle development and the hormonal factors influencing this development.