Steroidogenesis of Chicken Granulosa and Theca Cells: in vitro Incubation System

An in vitro incubation system has been developed to study the steroidogenic capability of the theca or granulosa cells in the postovulatory and 3 largest preovulatory follicles of chickens. Follicles were collected at different times during the hen's 26 h laying cycle taking into consideration the endogenous plasma LH peak(s). Three major sex steroids, progesterone (P), estrogen (E) and testosterone (T), produced by these follicular cells were measured by radioimmunoassay.