Abstract: Follicle development is a complicated physiological process. Granulosa cells,by means of gap junctions, allow the transfer of the oocyte metabolic needs and promote the maturation of the oocyte. The interactions between granulosa cells and thecal cells play an indispensable role in follicle development and maintaining follicle’s normal function. As a symbol of follicle development, the growth and differentiation of the granulose cells play an important role in initiation and growth of primordial follicle. Also,granulosa cells regulate the follicle development artesia via receptor-mediated means and play an important role in the regulation of follicle development.

Key words: follicle development; granulosa cells; gap junctions; follicle development regulation