Angiopoietin 1 reduces rat follicular atresia mediated by apoptosis through the PI3K/Akt pathway

► We show that local ANGPT1 inhibition alters steroidogenesis in rat ovaries. ► It also reduces ovarian apoptosis and stimulates cell proliferation. ► In cultured follicles, ANGPT1 increases proliferation and decreases apoptosis. ► ANGPT1 may exert these roles possibly involving the PI3K/AKT pathway.