Intraovarian factors regulating ovarian function.

Ovarian folliculogenesis is a dynamic process marked by exponential expansion and differentiation of the granulosa cells, oocyte maturation, ovulation and corpus luteum formation. Although the central roles of gonadotropins and gonadal steroids in this explosive agenda are well accepted, the variable fate of follicles afforded comparable stimulation within the same ovary suggests the existence of an additional intraovarian system comprised of regulating species that 'fine-tune' the blood-borne hormones.