Classical dogma in ovarian follicle development states that preantral follicle development is gonadotrophin-independent, in contrast to antral follicle development, where gonadotrophin hormones are essential. There is increasing evidence, primarily from in vitro rodent follicle culture models, suggesting that FSH may play a role in preantral follicle development.

Candelaria et al. provide evidence from dissected bovine preantral follicles and cortical strips to show the presence of the FSH receptor (FSHR) from as early as primary follicles, showing signal pathway activation via MAPK.

This study adds to the mounting evidence that the FSHR is expressed in preantral follicles as early as the primary follicle stage of development. This may have important roles in preantral follicle development that are yet to be elucidated.

Read the full article in Journal of Endocrinology 247 153–168