Ovulation-inducing factor (OIF/NGF) in seminal plasma: a review and update

摘要: Contents The ovulation-inducing effect of seminal plasma was first reported in Bactrian camels over 30 years ago, and the entity responsible dubbed ‘ovulation-inducing factor’ (OIF). More recent studies, primarily llamas alpacas, characterized biological chemical properties OIF ultimately identified it as βNGF. This discovery has allowed a convergence knowledge previously separated by discipline mechanism; that is, neurobiology reproductive biology, autocrine/paracrine vs endocrine. To preserve this link, we have referred to factor OIF/NGF. As highly conserved protein, implications discoveries related OIF/NGF tissues extend beyond camelid species, results studies show presence function are among species considered be induced ovulators well those spontaneous ovulators. The abundance effects on ovarian strongly support idea an endocrine mode action (i.e. systemic distribution with distant target tissues). review is intended provide update progress our understanding nature its female, including dose route administration, evidence for other tissue sources early findings mechanism OIF.