The role of bone morphogenetic protein(BMP)cytokine family in folliculogenesis

Abstract

For growth and maturation of oocytes, better folliculogenesis is essential. As growing small follicles do not possess FSH receptor, intra-ovarian factors, not gonadotrophins, are known to be involved in early folliculogenesis. Among intra-ovarian factors, bone morphogenetic protein(BMP)cytokines, member of TGF-β superfamily, have been studied. In this review, the roles of BMP cytokines will be discussed including our studies. BMP cytokines suppress luteinization, while inducing FSH receptor in follicles. BMP cytokines are involved in folliculogenesis and ovulation via regulating vascularity and accumulating neutorophils.