1. Expression and actions of transforming growth factors during human follicular development 
Derek K. Lobb, Ph.D. 
Fertility and Sterility 
Volume 92, Issue 3, Pages (September 2009)
DOI: /j.fertnstert
Copyright © 2009 American Society for Reproductive Medicine Terms and Conditions

2. Figure 1
Total RNA extracted from granulosa and thecal cells of healthy antral follicles underwent reverse transcriptase–polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) for transforming growth factor-α (TGF-α) and TGF-β1 and were visualized by ethidium bromide staining after gel electrophoresis. In each panel the thecal cell products are on the right and the granulosa on the left, separated by the DNA molecular weight ladder. (A) In small antral follicles (4–5 mm) both TGF-α and TGF-β1 mRNAs were detected in thecal cells but only TGF-β1 was present in granulosa cells. (B) In more advanced follicles (7–8 mm) thecal cells showed a strong signal for both TGF-α and TGF-β1 and again only the transcript for TGF-β1 was detectable in granulosa cells. The right lanes show the positive control complementary DNAs supplied by Clontech (Palo Alto, CA). (C) In large preovulatory follicles (>1.0 cm) thecal cells generally continue to express the mRNA for both transforming growth factors, whereas only TGF-β1 is readily detected in granulosa cells. G3PDH = glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate-dehydrogenase.
Fertility and Sterility  , DOI: ( /j.fertnstert )
Copyright © 2009 American Society for Reproductive Medicine Terms and Conditions

3. Figure 2
The trophic effects of the transforming growth factors (TGF) on human granulosa cells was measured by 3H-thymidine incorporation. Cultures were established from small healthy antral follicles (4– to 5-mm diameter) from one patient. The TGFs had opposing actions, TGF-α promoting granulosa cell growth and TGF-β1 inhibiting growth as assessed by 3H-thymidine incorporation. Values are means of triplicate wells ± SD.
Fertility and Sterility  , DOI: ( /j.fertnstert )
Copyright © 2009 American Society for Reproductive Medicine Terms and Conditions