Extracellular matrix in ovarian follicles

A lot is known about the control of the development of ovarian follicles by growth factors and hormones, but less is known about the roles of extracel lular matrix in the control of follicular growth and development. In this r eview we focus on the specialized extracellular matrix of the basal laminas that are present in ovarian follicles. These include the follicular basal lamina itself, the Call-Exner bodies of the membrana granulosa, the subendo thelial and arteriole smooth muscle basal laminas in the theca, and the bas al lamina-like material of the thecal matrix. We discuss the evidence that during follicle development the follicular basal lamina changes in composit ion, that many of its components are produced by the granulosa cells, and t hat the follicular basal laminas of different follicles have different ultr astructural appearances, linked to the shape of the aligning granulosa cell s. All these studies suggest that the follicular basal lamina is extremely dynamic during follicular development. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ireland Lt d. All rights reserved.