Inhibition of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Manipulates Follicles in Beef Females

Authors

Robert A. Cushman, USMARCFollow
Debra T. Clopton, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
Mark F. Allan, USMARC
S. E. Echternkamp, USMARC
Andrea S. Cupp, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow

Date of this Version

1-1-2007

Comments

Published in 2007 Nebraska Beef Cattle Report. Copyright © 2006 The Board of Regents of the University of Nebraska.

Abstract

Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) is produced by cells surrounding the egg in the follicle. If VEGF is inhibited, ovulation does not occur. Understanding how VEGF regulates follicle development may allow for manipulation of estrous cycles. In previous studies in our laboratory, blocking the actions of VEGF decreased activation of early stage follicles in neonatal rat ovary cultures. Therefore, we hypothesized inhibition of VEGF actions would also inhibit follicle activation in bovine ovarian cortical cultures. Inhibition of VEGF did inhibit follicle progression, thus regulation of VEGF may be a way to manipulate follicle development and more accurately time ovulation.