Abstract: Primordial follicle, as a basic unit of female reproduction, consist of oocyte and its surrounding a layer of flat granulosa cells. The primordial follicle pool has already been established in fetus. The number of primordial follicles is continuously decreasing with age, this pool therefore represents the female reproductive lifespan. It has been proved that mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) play a critical role in cellular growth and development. The excessive expression of mTOR activates the protein synthesis in dormant oocytes and pregranulosa cells, and subsequently induces the over-activation of primordial follicles, leading to the exhaustion of the promordial follicle pool, the decline of ovarian reserve and the decurtation of female reproductive lifespan. Recent years, mTOR, as well as the mediated signaling pathway, have become a hotspot in the field of reproductive medicine as the potential targets. The regulation of mTOR on follicle development could provide new strategies for delaying ovarian aging. In this article，the activation of mammalian primordial follicle and its relationship to mTOR signaling networks were reviewed, and the possible relationship between mTOR and female infertility was discussed.

Key words: Mammals, Sirolimus, Ovarian follicle, Ovary, Infertility, female