[Action of growth factors on the ovary in the domestic chicken (Gallus domesticus)].

An original method for the culture of granulosa and thecal cells of the domestic hen was developed and used to investigate the effects of serum, of EGF and of IGFI on the multiplication of these cell types and on their secretion of steroid hormones. The growth of the cultures (measured by the accumulation of DNA in the culture wells) over a 72 hour period was judged to be satisfactory although slower without serum. Both growth factors stimulated cell growth and EGF inhibited steroidogenesis in both cell types. IGFI inhibits the secretion of oestrogens by thecal cells but it stimulates the secretion of progesterone by granulosa cells towards the end of the period of culture.