Impact of pituitary FSH purification on <i>in vitro</i> early folliculogenesis in goats

Porcine pituitary follicle stimulating hormone (pFSH) is known to regulate the production of growth factors that have an essential role in early foliculogenesis. However, the effects of different preparations of pFSH on the survival and development of caprine follicles are not yet known. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of different pFSH (Stimufol^® and Folltropin^®) on the in vitro survival and growth of caprine preantral follicles. Pieces of caprine ovarian tissues were cultured for either one or seven days in a supplemented Minimum Essential Medium, alone or containing either Stimufol^® (50 ng/mL) or Folltropin^® (10, 50, 100 and 1000 ng/mL). Fresh control ovarian tissues as well as cultured tissued were processed for histological and ultrastructural studies. The results showed that after seven days, only Stimufol^® maintained follicular morphology similar to control. Moreover, follicular degeneration was higher in medium alone or with Folltropin^® at 50, 100 and 1000 ng/mL. However, at day seven, the percentage of growing follicles was higher in 100 ng/mL of Folltropin^® than Stimufol^®. In conclusion, FSH preparations affect differently the performance of in vitro culture of caprine preantral follicles. Stimufol^® was better to preserve follicular morphology while Folltropin^® was more efficient to promote follicular growth.