The Effect of Insulin-Like Growth Factor System on Embryo Growth and Development

Insulin like growth factors (IGF-I and IGF-II) are expressed in embryos and reproductive tracts of several species including cow, sheep and swine. They are mitogenic and have endocrine, paracrine and autocrine function infusing cell division, blastocyst formation, implantation and embryo growth. Increase in embryo growth will probably result with a higher implantation rates leading to consequent increases in the number of live offspring. In this review, insulin, IGFs, their receptors and their physiology and function in embryonic growth development were concerned.