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ricu In cattle, ovarian follicle development is characterized IGFBP-4 concentrations (Mihm et al. 2000, Fortune et al. (Fortune et al. 2004). While the exact mechanism by which selection of the dominant follicle and regression logical effects through binding to cell surface receptors, 2004). It seems probable that these functional differencesDOI: 10.1530/REP-06-0130occur as a result of internal changes within the follicles q 2007 Society for Reproduction and Fertilitywhich results in enzymatic phosphorylation cascades (signal transduction pathways) that transmit signals fromby two or three successive waves of follicular growth in each estrous cycle (Savio et al. 1988, Sirois & Fortune 1988, Ginther et al. 1989). Recruitment of each new wave is preceded and triggered by a transient rise in circulating follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) concen-trations (Adams et al. 1992). Following emergence, follicles continue to develop in parallel until the growt