Regulated growth and development of ovarian follicles are important for fertility, and locally produced factors are key regulators of these processes. We investigated whether locally produced platelet derived growth factors (PDGF) play an important role in the growth and function of ovine follicles. Multiple PDGF ligands, as well as their receptors, were expressed in developing follicles, and PDGFBB altered key follicular functions, indicating these growth factors are important for the regulation of growth and development of ovarian follicles in sheep. Image by Jennifer Juengel.

This article belongs to the collection: The biology of the ovary – Honouring the contributions of Ken P McNatty and Rex J Scaramuzzi.