If luteal regression occurs during the growing phase of the dominate follicle, it ovulates. If the corpus luteum is functional, however, when the dominant follicle stops growing, the fate is atresia. Recent experiments from this laboratory have investigated changes in gene expression associated with recruitment of a cohort of follicles and selection of the dominant follicle in cattle. The estrogen receptor beta was also cloned and sequenced. Follicular waves may or may not be observed with cysts, and intervals between waves of follicular growth are longer in cows with cysts.
Cows are infertile as long as the condition persists.
Mechanisms associated with development, persistence and turnover of cysts are being studied. Studies are currently underway to further investigate cellular and molecular mechanisms associated with cyst development and maintenance and to develop regimens to prevent and treat cysts. Ovarian cysts in dairy cattle. J. Dairy Sci. Bao, B., H.A. Garverick , G.W. Smith, M.F. Smith, B.E. Salfen, and R.S. Youngquist.