祁连山东段六种灌丛降雨再分配特征

基于2018年6~9月野外采集的数据,采用野外观测与统计分析相结合的方法,研究了祁连山天祝地区金强河流域典型灌丛:山生柳(Salix oritrepha)、硬叶柳(Salix sclerophylla)、绣线菊(Spiraea salicifolia)、头花杜鹃(Rhododendron capitatum)、金露梅(Potentilla fruticosa)和千里香(Murraya paniculata)灌丛的降雨截留特征,分析了降雨对灌丛的穿透雨量、茎干流量和截留量的影响。结果表明:研究期间共观测到降雨22次,总降雨量为322.2mm。6种灌丛的茎干流量、穿透雨量和截留量与降雨量之间均呈极显著正相关关系(P<0.01),在观测的雨量范围内,茎干流率与穿透雨率随着降雨量的增加而增加,最后趋于稳定,而截留率则随着降雨量的增加而减小,最后也趋于稳定;6种灌丛的茎干流率和穿透雨率随着雨量级的增加而增大,而截留率则随之减小。在所有雨量级中,山生柳的茎干流率最大;在>20mm雨量级中,千里香灌从的穿透雨率最大,绣线菊灌从的截留率最大。     

科尔沁沙地黄柳灌丛降雨截留与再分配特征

2012年5-9月,通过对科尔沁沙地典型沙生灌木——黄柳灌丛对降雨再分配过程的野外观测,确定了穿透雨量(TF)、树干茎流量(SF)和冠层截留量(I)在降雨过程中的分配比例,并分析了降雨量(P)和降雨强度(RI)对冠层截留过程和降雨再分配的影响。试验期间,完整观测到穿透雨和树干茎流的降雨共20次,降雨量共为135.32 mm,其中TF、SF和I分别为(112.01±5.77) mm,(2.96±0.03) mm和(20.35±5.74) mm,占总降雨量的百分比分别为82.78%,2.19%和15.03%。回归分析表明,分别用二次函数、幂函数和“S”型曲线拟合TF、SF和I与P的关系较好(P<0.001),TF、SF和I均随降雨量的增加而增加,但I存在1个上限(1.40 mm),I随降雨量的增加无限趋近于1.40 mm;TF%、SF%和I%与P的关系分别可以用对数函数、幂函数和指数函数拟合(P<0.001),TF%和SF%随降雨量的增加而增加,I%反之;I%随RI的增大呈逐渐减小的趋势,SF%随RI的增大呈先增大后减小的趋势;5-9月灌丛截留率呈先增大后减小趋势,连续性降雨减小冠层的截留率,更利于树干茎流的形成。     

东北黑土区水土保持林降雨截留特征分析

为了解林冠截留对东北黑土区水土保持林水分循环、分配及利用率的影响,以落叶松和落叶松-蒙古栎混交林为研究对象,在吉林省东辽县杏木小流域布设野外观测试验,对两种不同林分降雨截留特征进行分析。在15次降雨观测中,落叶松与落叶松-蒙古栎混交林的林下穿透雨分别占总降雨量的72.02%和67.42%,树干流占2.62%和2.74%,截留量占25.32%和29.80%,两种林分林冠截留率为8.93%~73.50%,落叶松-蒙古栎混交林对降雨的截留作用较佳。落叶松与落叶松-蒙古栎混交林产生地表径流各8次,共计产流3.52 和3.40 mm。不同林分林下穿透雨和截留量随月份变化表现为8月>7月>6月>5月>9月,树干流为7月>8月>6月>5月>9月,9月截留率最高,分别为44.49%和49.02%,7月份截留率最低,分别为20.40%和25.17%。不同林种林下穿透雨、树干流及截留量均与降雨量呈显著线性相关(P<0.05),且当降雨量<30 mm时,树干流增幅较小,降雨量>30 mm时,树干流迅速增加并逐渐趋于平稳。截留率随着降雨量的增加则逐渐降低,当降雨量较小时(<30 mm),林冠截留率由73.50%降低到21.90%,随着降雨量的增大,截留率变化幅度较小,并趋于稳定。两林分林下穿透雨与降雨强度呈显著线性相关(P<0.05),树干流与降雨强度以对数拟合较好(P<0.05),降雨强度与林冠截留量和截留率相关性不显著。当降雨强度≤2.65 mm/h时,两林分林冠截留率均大于50%。     

毛乌素沙地西南缘典型灌丛降雨截留特征

以毛乌素沙地西南缘三种典型灌丛(羊柴、中间锦鸡儿和油蒿)为对象,研究其在不同降雨量下的截留特征,并分析了降雨特征与三种灌丛冠层截留特征之间的关系。结果显示:(1)在试验期间,监测降雨21次,总降雨量为245.4mm,单次最大降雨量为41.7mm,单次最小降雨量为0.6mm,平均降雨量为11.6mm;(2)累计和最大截留量排序均为油蒿中间锦鸡儿羊柴,在雨量级5～10mm、10～20mm和20mm中,平均截流率变异性分别为中间锦鸡儿(28.91%,CV=54.31%)、羊柴(5.65%,CV=52.32%)和油蒿(6.28%,CV=53.01%);(3)在不同降雨量、降雨强度和降雨时长的影响下,灌丛冠层截留量、截留率均表现为油蒿中间锦鸡儿羊柴;(4)回归分析与曲线拟合显示,三种灌丛的冠层截留量、截留率与降雨量、降雨强度和降雨时长分别存在幂函数关系和指数函数关系。因此,在毛乌素沙地,羊柴、中间锦鸡儿和油蒿灌丛冠层降雨截留特征存在明显差异;并且三种灌丛冠层截留受降雨量、降雨强度和降雨时长的影响程度不同。     

4个林龄白桦次生林降雨中重金属化学性质研究

通过对凉水国家级自然保护区内4个林龄白桦次生林林外降雨、穿透雨、树干茎流和枯透水中的Fe、Mn进行测定,以研究4个林龄之间重金属化学性质的差异。结果表明:两种元素含量在林外降雨中随季节变化较大,其平均含量(以mg/L计)排列顺序为Mn>Fe;穿透雨中元素Fe含量70年含量较高,25年次之,56年含量较低,元素Mn含量56年含量较高,38年次之,25年含量较低。树干茎流中Fe元素含量是70年含量最高,38年含量最低,Mn元素含量在56年白桦次生林中最高,25年含量最低。枯透水中Fe元素、Mn元素含量均是56年含量较高,38年含量较低。     

人工模拟降雨格局变化对白刺幼苗生长的影响

白刺是干旱荒漠区重要的建群植物种,研究其幼苗在不同降雨格局下的响应特征,可以为进一步研究降雨格局变化下白刺灌丛退化以及加快荒漠区植被恢复提供理论依据。本文通过人工控水试验,设置3个降雨量(增加30%、减少30%、不变)和2个降雨间隔时间(增加、不变)研究其对降雨格局变化的响应。结果表明,1)生长季白刺幼苗根长、叶生物量、地上生物量、总生物量和根冠比的变化主要由总降雨量引起;总降雨量对白刺生长的效应与降雨间隔时间紧密相关,但二者无显著交互作用。2)当降雨量一致时,增加降雨间隔时间有利于白刺幼苗冠幅、基径和各器官生物量的累积,尤其使叶生物量增加81%,从而使地上生物量增幅远大于地下生物量,导致根冠比降低。3)当降雨间隔时间一致时,降雨量减少30%对茎、地下生物量无显著影响,仅使根长显著增加86%,叶、地上生物量和总生物量分别显著减少67%,48%,27%,根冠比显著增加74%,高降雨量条件下的生物量均增加但无显著影响。因此,适当的增加降雨量和降雨间隔时间有利于白刺幼苗的生长及促进其植被恢复。     

兰州市南北两山主要灌丛凋落物持水特性

为探讨兰州市南北两山不同人工灌丛凋落物累积量及其持水特性,本研究采用野外实地观测和室内浸水相结合的方法,对兰州市南北两山4种主要灌丛类型[千头柏(Platycladus orientalis)、柽柳(Tamarix chinensis)、红砂(Reaumuria soongorica)和红花锦鸡儿(Caragana rosea)]凋落物的累积量和持水特性进行了研究。结果表明,不同灌丛凋落物总蓄积量在0.44～48.51 t·hm~(-2),表现为红花锦鸡儿千头柏柽柳红砂。除红花锦鸡儿灌丛外,其他灌丛未分解层累积量所占比例高于半分解层。凋落物最大持水率为175.20%～323.73%,柽柳最大,红花锦鸡儿最小,未分解层凋落物的持水率小于半分解层。凋落物最大持水量在0.85～84.81 t·hm~(-2),表现为红花锦鸡儿千头柏柽柳红砂,红花锦鸡儿和千头柏灌丛凋落物持水量表现为未分解层小于半分解层,而柽柳灌丛相反。凋落物的吸水速率在浸水0～1 h直线下降,1 h后吸水速率下降幅度逐渐减小,未分解层凋落物的吸水速率小于半分解层。凋落物的有效拦蓄量在0.70～54.49 t·hm~(-2),表现为红花锦鸡儿千头柏柽柳红砂。因此,红花锦鸡儿灌丛在兰州市北山有较好的保持水土和涵养水源的能力。     

西藏阿里草场降雨量影响牧业产值和人均收入的模型分析

采用西藏阿里地区1985~2013年的统计数据,对降雨量、产草量、退化面积、人均收入、年末存栏数和牧业产值进行模型分析,评判该地区降雨量变化对草场退化及相关指标的影响,以指导农牧业生产,防抗雨灾的发生。结果显示,降雨量每增加1mm,每公顷牧业产值增加14.6元,人均收入可提高0.2元,表明降雨对畜牧业的发展和增加农牧民收入起到重要作用。研究结果提示,强化"用水量估测产草量、以草量核定载畜量"的理念,有利于对阿里草场可持续的合理利用。     

放牧对典型草原区土壤水分及其对降雨响应规律的影响

为研究放牧对典型草原区土壤水分及其对降雨响应规律的影响,通过在内蒙古西乌珠穆沁旗设置试验,对禁牧区和放牧区5cm、10cm、15cm、30cm层土壤体积含水率和降雨量进行监测和分析。分析表明:放牧会导致草原地上生物量减少,植被抑制土壤蒸发的作用减弱,降雨转化率降低;放牧会破坏0~15cm层植被根系,根系吸水能力减弱,上层土壤水分向下运移,从而放牧区0~15cm层含水量小于禁牧区,30cm层却大于禁牧区;禁牧区与放牧区5cm、10cm和15cm层土壤水分对降雨的响应相似,单次或累积降雨量大于10mm时,土壤含水量即有显著增加,但会因干旱间隔(两次降雨事件之间无降雨日数)时间的不同而变化,禁牧区含水量更加敏感,增加幅度较大;禁牧区30cm层土壤水分对降雨的响应有滞后现象,单次降雨量大于30mm或累积降雨量大于20mm且干旱间隔时间≤3d时,才有显著增加,放牧区30cm层只在干旱间隔较短(≤2d)的连续大降雨后有明显波动;禁牧区0~30cm层土壤水分的增加都与降雨量、降雨强度极显著相关,放牧区0~15cm层与降雨量极显著相关,0~10cm层与降雨强度极显著相关。     

福建·顺昌强降雨致果园受灾

本刊讯5月17日6：00至18日5：00,顺昌县仁寿镇普降特大暴雨,平均降雨量106.5 mm,其中江墩村157.5 mm,余塘村157 mm,仁寿村140.5 mm。这次降雨时间长、雨量大,给当地农业生产、交通水利基础设施和民房等造成巨大损失。当前,柑桔正处在开花结果期,     

Serum insulin-like growth factor I profiles in beef heifers with single and twin pregnancies

Serum samples and BW were obtained from 2-yr-old beef heifers, pregnancy with either single (SF, n = 12) or twin (TF, n = 7) fetuses, at 7-d intervals from d 190 of gestation until calving. Serum insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) concentrations of SF heifers gradually declined from d 190 (69.9 +/- 1.0 ng/ml) to d 263 (55.6 +/- .8 ng/ml), then exhibited a slight increase by d 277 (63.4 +/- 1.1 ng/ml). Serum IGF-I concentrations of TF heifers essentially paralleled, yet were lower (P less than .05) than, concentrations in SF heifers for all days tested except d 197 and 205. The SF heifers pregnant with heifer fetuses (n = 6) had higher IGF-I concentrations (P less than .1) than heifers pregnant with bull fetuses (n = 6) for all days tested except d 214 and 235. Instantaneous absolute growth rate (IGR) of SF heifers declined from 1.485 kg/d at d 190 to .257 kg/d by d 277. Rate of decline in IGR of TF heifers was much greater (P less than .0001). Correlations between serum IGF-I concentrations and IGR for SF and TF heifers were .79 (P less than .001) and .59 (P less than .05), respectively. These data suggest that number and sex of fetus influence maternal concentrations of IGF-I and that the combined growth rate of the dam and conceptus during gestation is related to serum IGF-I concentration.     

Interaction between the effects of evaporation rate and amount of simulated rainfall on development of the free-living stages of Haemonchus contortus

A factorial experiment (3 x 4 x 2 x 3) was conducted in programmable incubators to investigate interaction between the effects of rainfall amount, rainfall distribution and evaporation rate on development of Haemonchus contortus to L3. Sheep faeces containing H. contortus eggs were incubated on sterilised soil under variable temperatures typical of summer in the Northern Tablelands of NSW, Australia. Simulated rainfall was applied in 1 of 3 amounts (12, 24 or 32 mm) and 4 distributions (a single event on the day after deposition, or the same total amount split in 2, 3 or 4 equal events over 2, 3 or 4 days, respectively). Samples were incubated at either a Low or High rate of evaporation (Low: 2.1-3.4 mm/day and High: 3.8-6.1 mm/day), and faeces and soil were destructively sampled at 4, 7 and 14 days post-deposition. Recovery of L3 from the soil (extra-pellet L3) increased over time (up to 0.52% at day 14) and with each increment of rainfall (12 mm: <0.01%; 24 mm: 0.10%; 32 mm: 0.45%) but was reduced under the High evaporation rate (0.01%) compared with the Low evaporation rate (0.31%). All rainfall amounts yielded significantly different recoveries of L3 under Low evaporation rates but there was no difference between the 12 and 24 mm treatments under the High evaporation rate. The distribution of simulated rainfall did not significantly affect recovery of infective larvae. Faecal moisture content was positively associated with L3 recovery, as was the ratio of cumulative precipitation and cumulative evaporation (P/E), particularly when measured in the first 4 days post-deposition. The results show that evaporation rate plays a significant role in regulating the influence of rainfall amount on the success of L3 transmission.     

Thrombelastography in 26 healthy horses with and without activation by recombinant human tissue factor

Objectives – To develop a standardized technique for thrombelastography (TEG) analysis in healthy adult horses, with and without the ex vivo addition of tissue factor (TF) as an activator. To determine reference intervals for TEG parameters in the horse, and to determine if traditional coagulation tests correlate with TEG. Design – Prospective, observational. Setting – Veterinary teaching hospital. Animals – Twenty‐six healthy adult horses. Interventions – None. Measurements and Main Results – Thrombelastography with (TF‐TEG) and without (TEG) the addition of TF performed by 4 operators. Coagulation profiles (prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time, platelet count, fibrinogen, antithrombin, and fibrinogen degradation products) were assessed in a subset of horses. Mean values (SD) for TEG parameters in healthy horses were: reaction time (R)=17.0 minutes (3.0 min), K time (K)=5.8 minutes (2.3 min), clotting rate (Ang)=42° (14°), maximum clot strength (maximum amplitude [MA])=60.3 mm (5.7 mm), CL30=97.0% (2.0%), LY30=0.8% (0.6%), CL60=92% (5.9%), LY60=3.2% (2.5%). Mean values (SD) for TF‐TEG parameters were: R‐TF=6.6 minutes (1.4 min), K‐TF=3.1 minutes (1.0 min), Ang‐TF=50.9° (9°), MA‐TF=62.3 mm (5.1 mm), CL30‐TF=97.8% (1.6%), LY30‐TF=0.6% (0.5%), CL60‐TF=90.8% (4.2%), and LY60‐TF=3.6% (1.9%). The addition of TF decreased R and K and increased Ang. TF‐TEG had a narrower SD for R, K, Ang, CL60 and LY60 compared with TEG. Interoperator differences were reduced by the addition of TF. Regression analysis indicated a positive relationship between MA and fibrinogen concentrations (P=0.02) and R‐TF time and prothrombin time (P=0.03). Conclusion – TF‐TEG using the described protocol may minimize variability in data obtained across institutions or users. However, due to the variability associated with different operators, it is recommended that each laboratory set up individual reference intervals with the personnel who will perform the assay, and that the assay protocols and data obtained are compared on a regular basis.     

水淹胁迫对狗牙根光合、生长及营养元素含量的影响

以狗牙根当年生扦插苗为试验材料,采用盆栽控制实验,设置对照组(CK)、表土水淹组(SF)和全淹组(TF),研究水淹对狗牙根光合、生长、生物量和营养元素含量的影响。结果显示,1)与CK相比,SF组的狗牙根净光合速率、气孔导度、蒸腾速率和气孔限制值均显著降低,胞间CO₂浓度显著增加,但水分利用效率与CK组差异不显著。2)SF组分枝数、叶片数、根生物量、叶生物量和根冠比均显著低于CK组,而株高、基径、茎生物量和总生物量与CK组差异不显著;TF组除根冠比与CK组无显著差异外,株高、基径、分枝数、叶片数、根生物量、茎生物量和总生物量均显著低于CK组。3)与CK组相比,SF和TF组根的N、P、K、Fe、Mn含量均呈上升趋势,Cu含量显著降低;叶片中,SF组P、K、Cu含量显著下降,Fe、Mn含量显著升高。研究表明,水淹显著影响了狗牙根光合、生长及营养元素含量。狗牙根通过适度降低叶片P、K、Cu含量及升高Fe、Mn含量促进狗牙根叶片净光合速率的降低。然而狗牙根可通过提高对N、P、K等营养元素的吸收,促进其生长,维持较高的净光合速率,以有效应对水淹环境;其次,全淹环境中,狗牙根叶片衰老、凋落,叶片中N、P等营养元素可直接进入水体,存在增加水体富营养化的潜在风险,因此,应加强对三峡库区消落带狗牙根植被的刈割收获管理,以尽可能减少由此引起的二次污染。     

The effects of amount, timing and distribution of simulated rainfall on the development of Haemonchus contortus to the infective larval stage

Three studies were undertaken to determine the effects of amount, timing and distribution of simulated rainfall on the developmental success of Haemonchus contortus. Faeces containing H. contortus eggs were deposited onto pasture plots under a rainfall-activated retractable roof which eliminated incident rainfall. In October (spring) 2004 and January (summer) 2005, the effects of amount (6, 12, 18 or 24 mm) and timing (1, 4, 8 or 15 days post-faecal deposition) of a single simulated rainfall event was investigated via manual application of water to plots. More H. contortus pre-infective larvae (L1 and L2) developed under the d 1 simulated rainfall treatment than later treatments. There was no effect of rainfall amount on development in either experiment, and negligible development to infective larvae (L3). In February (summer) 2006, the effects of amount (12, 24 or 32 mm) and distribution (single event or three smaller but equal split events over 32 h) of simulated rainfall events was investigated with water applied via sprinkler. In this experiment L3 were recovered from the herbage in one-third of the plots harvested, however recovery was low (0.08% of eggs deposited) and there were no treatment effects. Recovery of L1 and L2 from faeces increased with simulated rainfall amount at d 4, and more L1 and L2 were recovered from the split distribution treatment at d 4. The results indicate that moisture conditions soon after faecal deposition are key determinants of H. contortus development success, with significant penalties on development when simulated rainfall was applied 7 days or more post-deposition, and when the duration of simulated rainfall was short. High rates of evaporation during both summer experiments resulted in rapid drying of the micro-environment and this appears to have limited development to L3.     

Dynamics and histological observation of first follicular wave in Japanese black cows

AIMS: To determine the turnover of the first follicular wave in Japanese black cows and quantitative immunohistological characteristics of the previously in vivo identified dominant follicle (DF) and largest subordinate follicle (SF) derived from ovariectomy on Day 7 (3 cows) and Day 10 (3 cows) (Day 0=estrus). Six cases of first follicular wave in cows were observed twice daily by ultrasound scanning. The number of follicles, diameter of DF and SF, and prevalence of apoptotic granulosa cells (GC) and theca cells (TC) were studied by TUNEL methods. At follicular wave emergence, 13.5 +/- 9.5 Class I (2-5 mm in diameter follicles) were found 12 hr after ovulation, and increased its number until Day 1 pm. Future DF and SF observed retrospectively were 4.9 +/- 0.8 mm and 4.9 +/- 0.9 mm at wave emergence. Deviation of DF and SF occurred on Day 3 pm with mean diameters of 8.9 +/- 1.3 mm and 6.8 +/- 0.9 mm, respectively. DF developed until Day 8 am with a maximum diameter of 14.4 +/- 1.8 mm (n=3) and then regressed. The follicular wall of the DF had a characteristic image of a healthy follicle on Day 7 and slightly atretic DF on Day 10, whereas SF showed heavy atresia on both Day 7 and Day 10 under HE staining. In the prevalence of apoptotic cells, DF were 4.4 +/- 1.0% and 17.9 +/- 4.9% on Day 7 and on Day 10 in GC, respectively, and 2.4 +/- 0.7% and 8.0 +/- 1.4% on Day 7 and on Day 10 in TC, respectively. These results showed that, 1) the first follicular wave in cows is characterized by 24 hr recruitment of small follicles and a gradual divergence of growth rates in future DF and SF, and 2) early regression of DF on Day 10 was preceded by severe apoptosis.     

Moisture requirements for the free-living development of Haemonchus contortus: quantitative and temporal effects under conditions of low evaporation

The key influence of moisture availability on development of the free-living stages of Haemonchus contortus is well-documented, although quantitative relationships between moisture variables and development are poorly defined. A factorial experiment (3x2x2) was conducted in programmable incubators to determine the effects of amount and distribution of simulated rainfall on H. contortus development at low evaporation rates (approximately 2 mm/day) under temperatures typical of summers on the Northern Tablelands of NSW, Australia. Sheep faeces containing H. contortus eggs were placed in experimental units containing sterile soil and had one of the three amounts (12, 24 and 32 mm) of simulated rainfall applied, in either a single event on the day after deposition (d 1) or three split events over 6 days (d 1, 3 and 6). Treatments were applied either in week 1 only, or in weeks 1 and 2. Recovery of infective larvae (L3) at 4, 7 and 14 days post-contamination increased with each incremental amount of simulated rainfall over the range of 12-32 mm and was significantly higher under the single "rain" event (2.8%), compared with the three smaller, split events (1.9%). The second application of simulated rainfall in week 2 had only a very small influence on L3 recovery, suggesting that the majority of development to L3 occurred in response to simulated rainfall events in the first 7 days. Both faecal moisture content and the cumulative ratio of precipitation and evaporation (P/E) were strongly and positively correlated with recovery of L3. Recovery of L3 from treatments, which received simulated rainfall in week 1 only was best described by P/E at d 5. Whether the relationships observed in this study hold under field conditions, where macroclimatic conditions such as evaporation rate are substantially more limiting to free-living development, is yet to be determined.     

Follicular Dominance in Cattle Is Associated With Divergent Patterns of Ovarian Gene Expression for Insulin-Like Growth Factor (IGF)-I,IGF-II,and IGF Binding Protein-2 in Dominant and Subordinate Follicles

A decrease in insulin-like growth factor (IGF) binding protein (BP) amount occurs within the follicular fluid of dominant ovarian follicles. At the same time, concentrations of follicular fluid IGF-I do not change. The mRNA for IGF-I, IGF-II, IGFBP-2, and IGFBP-3 in dominant and subordinate follicles were measured to determine if changes in IGF or IGFBP gene expression are associated with follicular dominance. Heifers were ovariectomized during a follicular wave, either during early-dominance (emerging dominant follicle, 9 mm diameter) or mid-dominance (established dominant follicle, 14–16 mm diameter). Follicles were classified as either dominant (DF), subordinate (SF), or not-recruited (NRF; small antral follicles). mRNA was localized by in situ hybridization and measured by image analyses. The IGF-I mRNA (granulosa cells) was greatest in DF and increased in DF, SF, and NRF from early- to mid-dominance. Likewise, IGF-II mRNA (theca cells) was greatest in DF compared with SF or NRF. The IGFBP-2 mRNA (granulosa cells), however, was nearly undetectable in DF, whereas adjacent SF expressed abundant IGFBP-2 mRNA. The NRF were not uniform in their IGFBP-2 expression because only 5 of 13 NRF had IGFBP-2 mRNA. The IGFBP-3 mRNA (granulosa cells) was found only in two NRF, suggesting that local synthesis is not a predominant source of follicular fluid IGFBP-3. These data show that changes in gene expression for IGFBP-2 are opposite to those for IGF-I or IGF-II. Increased IGF-I and IGF-II mRNA and decreased IGFBP-2 mRNA within the DF may be one mechanism leading to follicular dominance. The opposite pattern of IGFBP-2 gene expression in SF and some NRF may lead to follicular atresia.