The estrous cycle of the cow lasts approximately twenty-one days and is
comprised of two separate phases. Each phase can be subdivided into two distinct stages.
The two phases are named after the structures present on the ovary. The follicular phase
is made up of the proestrus and estrus stages of the estrous cycle. Proestrus is the period
when concentrations of progesterone decline as a result of luteolysis of the corpus luteum
and the animal begins preparing the preovulatory follicle. Estrus is characterized as the
time of sexual receptivity and also is when ovulation occurs. During the follicular phase
the ovary is dominated by the preovulatory follicle, which produces high concentrations
of estradiol. Elevated concentrations of estradiol act on the hypothalamus to stimulate
release of gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH). Gonadotropin releasing hormone is
produced from neurosecretory cells in the hypothalamus. Neurons release GnRH into the
hypothalamic-hypophyseal portal system, a small vascular structure which acts as a
transportation mechanism to the anterior pituitary (Senger, 1997). Gonadotroph cells in
the anterior pituitary bind to GnRH through cell-surface receptors. Bound receptors
activate a second messenger signal transduction pathway which is responsible for release
of luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) from the
gonadotroph cells (D’Occhio et al., 2000; Bearden et al., 2004).
Reproduced with