Abstract
Androgen production by the ovary is an essential requirement for normal cyclical secretion of estradiol but its physiological role extends to important actions on both preantral and antral follicle development, including promotion of granulosa cell proliferation. It is likely only in mature antral follicles that androgens encourage apoptosis and consequent follicle atresia, and this may be an important mechanism to ensure mono-follicular ovulation in primates, including humans. Recent studies have provided new insight into the mechanism of androgen signaling in the ovary which involves both genomic and non-genomic effects that are complementary in effecting a cellular response. In polycystic ovary syndrome, a condition characterized by intra-ovarian androgen excess, aberrant development of both preantral and antral follicles is a salient feature. We present evidence that local action of androgens plays a part in such abnormalities. Finally, we review the role of androgens in follicle atresia and conclude that the effects are part of the normal physiology of follicle maturation.
Highlights
Androgen production by the ovary is an essential requirement for normal cyclical secretion of estradiol but its physiological role extends to important actions on both preantral and antral follicle development, including promotion of granulosa cell proliferation
Whilst it is well recognized that androgens are an essential substrate for estradiol production by the ovary, the perception persists that androgens have an adverse effect on ovarian follicular development, even under physiological conditions but especially in an environment of androgen excess
androgen receptor (AR) gene expression can be detected in human preantral follicles from the primary stage onwards [11], whilst AR protein can be observed from the primordial stage, gradually increasing during follicle development so that 100% of multi-layered, preantral follicles express AR protein [12] (Figure 1)
Summary
Androgen production by the ovary is an essential requirement for normal cyclical secretion of estradiol but its physiological role extends to important actions on both preantral and antral follicle development, including promotion of granulosa cell proliferation. It is likely only in mature antral follicles that androgens encourage apoptosis and consequent follicle atresia, and this may be an important mechanism to ensure mono-follicular ovulation in primates, including humans. A condition characterized by intra-ovarian androgen excess, aberrant development of both preantral and antral follicles is a salient feature.
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