Abstract. This study was undertaken to confirm whether early pregnancy factor (EPF)-like substance (s) was secreted by fertilized bovine ova. Using the rosette inhibition test, EPF-like substance(s) was detected in the culture media of fertilized bovine ova, while this substance was not found in the culture media of unfertilized bovine ova. EPF-like activity, analyzed by HPLC-gel permeation chromatography, was present between molecular weights of 16 and 37 KD. In conclusion, EPF-like substance(s) is secreted by fertilized bovine ovum and has a molecular weight of 16-37 KD.

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The data suggest that an EPF-like substance(s) may be secreted from the in vitro fertilized bovine ovum but not from the cumulus cell, and that the EPF in the pregnant serum may accelerate the development of the bovine embryo in IVF.

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