Figure 4.
Dependence of larger follicles on FSH. In the presence of FSH follicles of all sizes grow to a similar extent (1-way ANOVA, not significant [ns]). In the absence of FSH (pale bars), larger follicles do not grow as much as smaller follicles during the first 24 hours of culture, suggesting an increasing need for FSH as follicles get larger (ANOVA, each size bin compared with <100 µm diameter, Dunnett’s multiple comparisons test—significantly less growth for follicles >110 µm indicated by asterisks next to pale gray bars). Relative follicle areas (area at time24 hours/area at time0) were compared for each initial follicle diameter in the presence and absence of FSH, using 1-way ANOVA with a Sidak’s multiple comparisons test (6 comparisons). *P < 0.05; **P < 0.01; ***P < 0.001; ****P < 0.0001. Values are means ± 95% confidence interval. Dotted, vertical line indicates no change in follicle diameter over the first 24 hours.