[Follicular Fluid in Mammals]

Follicular fluid is a complex extracellular fluid, semi-viscous and yellow in colour, which accumulates in the antrum of ovarian follicles during their growing phase. Follicular fluid provides the microenvironment within which the cumulus-oocyte complex matures and granulosa cells differentiate. Scientists agree that follicular fluid derives mainly from plasma via the vascular compartment in the follicle wall. However, it also contains factors produced locally by the follicle cells, the production of which varies during different reproductive states. The aim of this paper is to review current knowledge on the formation, composition and roles of follicular fluid.