Control of follicular development: intra-ovarian actions of transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) superfamily members.

This article discusses the development of ovarian follicles; the laying hen as a model; regulation of follicle development and ovulation; intra-ovarian growth factors and follicle development; different transforming growth factors (TGF)-β superfamily (activins, inhibins and bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs)); and the presence of TGF-β superfamily members in the avian ovary.