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. Author manuscript; available in PMC: 2011 Apr 6.
Published in final edited form as: Cancer Treat Res. 2010;156:11–24. doi: 10.1007/978-1-4419-6518-9_2

Fig. 2.2.

Fig. 2.2

Interactions between the follicle and its environment in vitro. A representation of a follicle within a hydrogel matrix is shown. Extraovarian interactions are incorporated into an in vitro culture through diffusible factors. The physical properties of a hydrogel will impact how quickly diffusion occurs. Hydrogels mimic the role of ovarian tissue by presenting extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins, through which receptors on the plasma membrane can interact with the matrix. Mechanical signals are also presented by the hydrogel through a compressive force from the elastic rigidity of the matrix.