COMPARATIVE INVESTIGATIONS ON THE REGULATION OF OVARIAN-FUNCTION IN CATTLE WITH PMSG AND FSH .2. INTRAFOLLICULAR HORMONE CONCENTRATIONS

After regulation of the ovarian function of cattle with PMSG/PGF2alpha and FSH/PGF2alpha a distinct dependence between the estradiol-17beta (E2) or testosterone (T) concentrations and the size of the ovarian fo llicles was observed at 65 h following to PGF2alpha application. Signi ficantly higher (P < 0,05) mean E2 and LH concentrations were establis hed in preovulatory follicles in comparison to nonovulatory follicles. Follicles with intact or degenerate oocytes exhibited no significant differences in steroid content. The maturation process of cumulus bocy tes complexes or oocytes was connected with characteristic changes in intrafollicular hormone levels. The altered proportions of the steroid hormone concentrations in the follicular fluid confirm the role of st eroids for oocyte maturation.