INSULIN-LIKE GROWTH-FACTORS AS DETERMINANTS OF FOLLICULAR FATE

OBJECTIVE: To review the English-language literature as it relates to the rat intraovarian insulin-like growth factor (IGF) system, special emphasis being placed on the hypotheses under study, METHODS: A thorough literature review of the English-language literature. RESULTS: Current data support the view that intraovarian IGF-I may act as an amplifier of gonadotropin hormonal action. The role of IGF-I as a determinant of follicular fate remains a matter of study. CONCLUSIONS: The intraovarian IGF-I system may play a central role in ovarian physiology by amplifying gonadotropin hormonal action and, possibly, by playing a role in determining follicular fate.