Follicular Growth and Atresia in the Mouse

摘要

Follicles were classified on the basis of number of layers of follicle cells, presence and degree of development of the zona pellucida, and presence of an antrum. Formation of an antrum in follicles with less than 7-8 cell layers and/or presence of necrotic cells was considered indicative of degeneration. When classified in this manner, the data suggest that follicles and their contained oocytes are committed to either normal development or atresia by the time a third layer of granulosa cells is formed. (ERA citation 04:001477)