Abstract
The main objective of this study was to investigate whether ovarian follicular fluid insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-I) concentrations vary with the oestrogenic status of the follicles in an induced ovulator i.e., the female camel. For this purpose, ovaries from 12 female camels were collected after slaughter. Ail the follicles greater than or equal to 2.5 mm were dissected and their diameter recorded. Follicular fluid was separated from each follicle and stored at -20 degrees C until analysed for oestradiol (E-2), testosterone (T) and IGF-I. A total of 117 follicles were studied. A bi-modal distribution of follicles was observed when their frequency was plotted against oestradiol :testosterone (E :T) ratio. As a result, individual follicles were classified as oestrogenic or non-oestrogenic if they had E :T ratio of greater than or equal to 7:1 or < 7:1, respectively. The mean diameter did not differ between oestrogenic (9.1 +/- 1.5 mm) and non-oestrogenic (9.4 +/- 1 mm) follicles. Similarly, follicular fluid IGF 1 concentrations were not different between oestrogenic (95.8 +/- 9.7 ng/ mi) and non-oestrogenic (120.5 +/- 10 ng/ml) follicles. As expected, E-2 concentrations were significantly (p < 0.006) higher in oestrogenic, while T concentrations were significantly (p<0.02) higher in non-oestrogenic, follicles The results of this study revealed lack of any relationship between follicular IGF-1 concentrations and oestrogenic status of ovarian follicles in the female camel.