Abstract: Androgen mediate their action primarily via transcriptionally activating the androgen receptor（AR），an important factor of androgen signaling pathway. The roles of androgen and AR in female reproductive physiology arise from their biological effect on follicle growth and development both in vitro and in vivo. Although the pivotal role of androgen in male reproductive function is well established，the precise mechanism of it in female reproductive physiology and pathology remains blurred. Recent studies have established several animal models with specific disruption of the AR gene，and this helps us understand the role of AR-mediated action in maintaining female fertility. Here we reviewed androgen and AR signaling pathway in ovary.

Key words: Androgens, Receptors, Signal transduction, Ovary, Ovarian follicle