Role of cell-death ligand-receptor system of granulosa cells in selective follicular atresia in porcine ovary

Abstract

In the mammalian ovary, more than 99% of follicles degenerate without ovulation and few oocytes ovulate and succeed to the next generation. Granulosa cell apoptosis plays a critical role in this process, follicular atresia. However, the molecular mechanisms responsible for the regulation of granulosa cell apoptosis have not been clarified. Death ligand and receptor systems are major apoptosis-inducing factors. This review describes the granulosa cell apoptosis via death ligand and receptor systems during follicular atresia in the porcine ovary. © 2011 by the Society for Reproduction and Development.