Observation of the dynamics of follicular development in the ovary

The number of ovulated oocytes is different among mammals but does not vary much within the same species. In order to sustain periodic ovulation, follicular development must be coordinated at the tissue level. Elucidating the regulatory mechanisms of follicular development is difficult because the ovary has a complicated structure and it takes a long time for primordial follicles to develop into Graafian follicles. Therefore, it is not possible to observe follicular development by conventional experiments. The authors previously developed a new ovarian tissue culture method that enabled the observation of follicular development from the early follicle stage. These findings indicated that follicular interactions are important in regulating follicular development and ovulation. This review describes the current methods of observing follicular development in the ovary and the regulatory mechanisms of follicular development.