Transport of exogenous albumin across lymphatic endothelium--an ultrastructural study

The pathways involved in protein transport across the lymphatic endothelium of the rat renal cortex after in vivo drip fixation were studied ultrastructurally. Both qualitative and quantitative analyses were made on tissues from physiological saline-injected rats and on tissues from rats injected intravenously with rat albumin (0.2 mg/g body wt., 0.4 mg/g body wt. or 0.8 mg/g body wt.). The volume density values of intracytoplasmic vesicles were as follows: (1) saline-injected rats: 0.024, (2) 0.2 mg/g body wt. albumin-injected rats: 0.029 (p less than 0.05), (3) 0.4 mg/g body wt. albumin-injected rats increased to 0.033 (p less than 0.01), (4) 0.8 mg/g body wt. albumin-injected rats had a value of 0.022. The numerical density of intracytoplasmic vesicles increased from 27/micrometers 3 after saline injection to 35/micrometers 3 (p less than 0.05) after 0.2 mg/g body wt. albumin injection. When rats were injected with 0.4 mg/g body wt. albumin, the numerical density was 44/micrometers 3 (p less than 0.01, in comparison with saline-injected rats) but this value decreased to 27/micrometers 3 in rats injected with 0.8 mg/g body wt. albumin. In the four groups, the range of vesicles was 28-38% opening into the lymphatic lumen and 7-16% of vesicles opening into the interstitial space. The remaining vesicles were free in the endothelial cytoplasm. There were more open junctions and wider cell junctions in the 0.8 mg/g body wt. albumin-injected group. It is concluded that normally albumin molecules are transported into the lymphatic capillaries by intracytoplasmic vesicles or through the normal interstitial space between endothelial cells.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Effects of a luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone antagonist in late-juvenile female rats: blockade of follicle growth and delay of first ovulation following suppression of gonadotropin concentrations

Subcutaneous injections of an antagonist against luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH-A, Org, 30276) were administered to late-juvenile female rats. The effects on timing of vaginal opening and first ovulation on serum gonadotropin concentrations and on follicle growth were studied. The dose of 100 micrograms LHRH-A/100 g body wt, given on Days 28, 31, and 34, did not influence timing of first ovulation. After administration of 500 micrograms LHRH-A/100 g body wt, ovulation was retarded by 4.7 days if injections were given on Days 28 and 31; by 6.7 days if given on Days 28, 31, and 34; and by 11.5 days if given on Days 28, 31, 34, and 37. Serum LH and FSH concentrations 3 days after the first, second, and third injections of 500 micrograms LHRH-A were significantly (p less than 0.01) lower than in saline-treated controls. Ovarian follicle counts showed decreased numbers of (antral) Class 2, 3, and 4 follicles 3 days after injection of 500 micrograms LHRH-A/100 g body wt on Day 28; a significantly higher number of Class 1 follicles and a further decrease in Class 2, 3, and 4 follicles 3 days after the second LHRH-A injection; and total absence of Class 3, 4, and 5 follicles 3 days after the third LHRH-A injection. Six days after the third LHRH-A injection, Class 3 and 4 follicles reappeared in the ovaries.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Effects of multiple somatostatin treatment on rat gonadotrophic cells and ovaries

The effect of multiple somatostatin (SRIH-14) treatment on the pituitary gonadotrophs, follicle stimulating harmone (FSH) and luteinizing harmone (LH), and ovaries of adult female Wistar rats was examined. Females received two 20 microg/100 g body wt. doses daily subcutaneously, for five consecutive days. FSH and LH cells were studied using a peroxidase-antiperoxidase immunocytochemical procedure. Morphometry and stereology were used to evaluate changes in the number per unit area (mm2), cell volume and volume densities of LH- and FSH-immunoreactive cells. Ovaries were analysed by simple point counting of follicles and corpora lutea. Follicles were divided by size according to the classification of Gaytán and Osman. Morphometric and stereological analysis of the pituitary showed that the number, volume and the volume density of FSH- and LH-immunoreactive cells were decreased after multiple SRIH-14 treatment, particularly in the latter. In the ovary, SRIH-14 induced decreases in the number of healthy follicles in all phases of folliculogenesis and corpora lutea, but the large antral follicle stage was most affected. The number of atretic follicles was increased. It can be concluded that multiple SRIH-14 treatment markedly inhibited LH cells, but affected FSH cells as well. In the ovary, SRIH- 14 acted by inhibiting folliculogenesis and enhancing atretic processes.     

Hepato-protective potential of carotenoid meso-zeaxanthin against paracetamol, CCl4 and ethanol induced toxicity

Hepato-protective potential of carotenoid meso-zeaxanthin [(3R, 3'S)-beta, beta-carotene-3, 3'-diol] was studied using in vivo rat models. Paracetamol (3 g/kg body wt, orally), 20% ethanol (7.5 g/kg body wt, orally) and CCl4 (2.5 ml /kg, ip) were used as hepato toxins. Levels of marker enzymes of hepatic injury such as serum glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase, serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase and alkaline phosphatase, and serum bilirubin, which were drastically elevated by these hepato toxins were significantly decreased by meso-zeaxanthin pretreatment in a dose-dependent manner. Oxidative stress markers, tissue lipid peroxidation, conjugated dienes and tissue hydroperoxides, were high in the paracetamol treated control group animals, which were lowered by meso-zeaxanthin administration. Level of glutathione and antioxidant enzymes, superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase, in liver tissue was increased by meso-zeaxanthin pretreatment compared to control group during alcohol and CCl4 induced hepatotoxicity. Hydroxyproline, an indicator of fibrosis in liver tissue, decreased remarkably by meso-zeaxanthin administration despite its notable elevation in ethanol treated rats. Histopathological analysis of liver tissue showed the hepatoprotective potential of meso-zeaxanthin.     

Scaling of follicular sizes in mammalian ovaries

The scaling of ovarian follicle and oocyte sizes according to body weight ( M , ranging from 0005–500 kg) has been analysed using data obtained from 22 mammalian species in nine orders. The diameters of non-growing (primordial) follicles were correlated significantly with body weight, the relationship being described by the allometric formula y = 0028 M ^0.10. The mean size at which growing follicles began to accumulate extracellular fluid was approximately the same in all species, 0–3 mm diameter. Graafian follicle sizes varied allometrically with body weight as a result of differences in the volumes of follicular fluid rather than those of oocytes, which were relatively similar in eutherian mammals. The statistical significance of the correlation between Graafian and body sizes was increased when the dimensions for an ovulatory quota of follicles were combined because follicles in polyovulating species were disproportionately small. The total Graafian surface areas and volumes were then predicted from body weight by 58–4 M ^0.65 and 18–5 M ^1.06, respectively. Follicular dimensions in the three species of primates were significantly greater than predicted by the allometric relationship. The exponents of these relationships show that the total volume of a set of preovulatory follicles varies approximately isometrically with body weight and, therefore, with the presumptive hormone distribution volume ( M ^1.0). The hypoallometric relationship of follicular surface area demonstrates that, during the course of the evolution of body size, the surface area for secretion has not increased to match the dilution of hormones in the body pool.     

Inhibition of testosterone biosynthesis by ethanol. Relation to hepatic and testicular acetaldehyde, ketone bodies and cytosolic redox state in rats.

In experiments in which liver and testis freeze-stops were performed on pentobarbital-anaesthetized rats, ethanol (1.5 g/kg body wt.) reduced plasma testosterone concentration from 13.1 to 3.2 nmol/litre. 4-Methylpyrazole abolished the ethanol-induced hepatic and testicular increase in the lactate/pyruvate ratio, and the testicular acetaldehyde level, but did not diminish the reduction in plasma testosterone concentration. In testes, but not in liver, ethanol decreased the 3-hydroxybutyrate/acetoacetate ratio, and 4-methylpyrazole did not prevent this effect. In experiments in which freeze-stop was performed after cervical dislocation, ethanol decreased the testis testosterone concentration from 590 to 220 pmol per g wet wt. The effects of ethanol and 4-methylpyrazole on testis acetaldehyde, lactate/pyruvate and 3-hydroxybutyrate/acetoacetate ratios were the same as found during anaesthesia. The NAD+-dependent ethanol oxidation capacity in testis ranged from 0.1 to 0.2 mumol/min per g wet wt. and seemed to be inhibited by 4-methylpyrazole both in vivo and in vitro. In additional experiments, ethanol doses between 0.3 and 0.9 g/kg body wt. did not alter the plasma testosterone concentration in rats treated, or not treated, with cyanamide, which induced elevated acetaldehyde levels in blood and testes. The results suggest that ethanol-induced inhibition of testosterone biosynthesis was not caused by extratesticular redox increases, or by extra- or intra-testicular acetaldehyde per se. The inhibition is accompanied by changes in testicular ketone-body metabolism.     

A chronomorphological structural model of rat thyroid gland

Circadian rhythmicity of the structural morphometric model of thyroid has been studied in 36 Wistar rats kept in LD 12:12. The parameters evaluated are: a. the volume fraction occupied by: 1. follicle epithelium, 2. colloid, 3. interstitium at 6 time points in 24h; b. the follicle size distribution; c. the number of follicles per unit tissue volume. The circadian rhythms of mean follicular diameter and of follicular cavity mean diameter have been demonstrated (p less than 0.03 and p less than 0.01 respectively) and show overlapping acrophases of -120 degrees (-64 degrees/-176 degrees) and -108 degrees (-99 degrees/-116 degrees). The synchronization between rhythms, shown for mean follicular diameter and for follicular cavity mean diameter, suggests a rhythmical pulsation of the whole follicle, while the thickness of the follicular epithelium does not undergo a statistically significant periodic variation.     

Zea mays L. extracts modify glomerular function and potassium urinary excretion in conscious rats

Diuretic and uricosuric properties have traditionally been attributed to corn silk, stigma/style of Zea mays L. Although the diuretic effect was confirmed, studies of the plant's effects on renal function or solute excretion were lacking. Thus, we studied the effects of corn silk aqueous extract on the urinary excretion of water, Na+, K+, and uric acid. Glomerular and proximal tubular function and Na+ tubular handling were also studied. Conscious, unrestrained adult male rats were housed in individual metabolic cages (IMC) with continuous urine collection for 5 and 3 h, following two protocols. The effects of 25, 50, 200, 350, and 500 mg/kg body wt. corn silk extract on urine volume plus Na+ and K+ excretions were studied in water-loaded conscious rats (2.5 ml/100 g body wt.) in the IMC for 5 h (Protocol 1). Kaliuresis was observed with doses of 350 (100.42 +/- 22.32-120.28 +/- 19.70 microEq/5 h/100 g body wt.; n = 13) and 500 mg/kg body wt. (94.97+/- 29.30-134.32 +/- 39.98 microEq/5h/100 g body wt.; n = 12; p<0.01), and the latter dose resulted in diuresis as well (1.98 +/- 0.44-2.41 +/- 0.41 ml/5 h/100 g body wt.; n = 12; p<0.05). The effects of a 500 mg/kg body wt. dose of corn silk extract on urine volume, Na+, K+ and uric acid excretions, and glomerular and proximal tubular function, were measured respectively by creatinine (Cler) and Li+ (ClLi) clearances and Na+ tubular handling, in water-loaded rats (5 ml/100 g body wt.) in the IMC for 3 h (Protocol 2). Clcr (294.6 +/- 73.2, n = 12, to 241.7 +/- 48.0 microl/ min/100 g body wt.; n = 13; p<0.05) and the Na+ filtered load (41.9 +/- 10.3, n = 12, to 34.3 +/- .8, n = 13, p<0.05) decreased and ClLi and Na+ excretion were unchanged, while K+ excretion (0.1044 +/- 0.0458, n=12, to 0.2289 +/- 0.0583 microEq/min/100 body wt.; n = 13; p<0.001) increased. For Na+ tubular handling, the fractional proximal tubular reabsorption (91.5 +/- 3.5, n = 12, to 87.5 +/- 3.4%; n = 13; p<0.01) decreased, and both fractional distal reabsorptions--I and II--increased (96.5 +/- 1.5, n = 12, to 97.8 +/- 0.9%; n = 13; p<0.01; and 8.2 +/- 3.5, n = 12, to 12.2 +/- 3.4%, n = 13, p<0.01, respectively). To summarize, in water-loaded conscious rats (2.5 ml/100 body wt.), corn silk aqueous extract is diuretic at a dose of 500 mg/kg body wt. and kaliuretic at doses of 350 and 500 mg/kg body wt. In water-loaded conscious rats (5.0 ml/100 g body wt.), corn silk aqueous extract is kaliuretic at a dose of 500 mg/kg body wt., but glomerular filtration and filtered load decrease without affecting proximal tubular function, Na+, or uric acid excretion.     

Advancement of first ovulation by the opioid antagonist naltrexone

The opioid antagonist naltrexone was administered to female rats during the late juvenile period, and its effects on sexual maturation were studied. Naltrexone treatment (2.5 or 20 mg/kg; four daily injections at 2-h intervals) at 28-32 days of age advanced first ovulation in about 55% of the rats. When naltrexone (20 mg/kg) was administered at 30-34 days of age, 75% of the rats responded. In these rats, first ovulation was advanced by 3.4 days and their body weight was 15.1 g lower than in control rats at first ovulation (p less than 0.01). Similar naltrexone treatment at younger (starting on Day 24 or 26) or older (starting on Day 32 or 34) ages did not advance first ovulation. The numbers of ova released in advanced, nonadvanced, and control rats were similar. A significant increase in serum luteinizing hormone (LH) concentration was seen 15 min after naltrexone injection (20 mg/kg) at all ages studied; the increase was significantly higher (p less than 0.05) at 30 days of age than before or after that age. Relatively high response to naltrexone (2.5 mg/kg) was seen from 8 to 4 days before first ovulation. Taken together, these data suggest that during the late juvenile stage (8 - 4 days before first ovulation) endogenous peptides critically restrict LH secretion and may constitute a hypothalamic restraint on the onset of puberty. However, changes in pituitary responsiveness to luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone may be part of the mechanism behind the high LH response to naltrexone in rats during the late juvenile stage.     

鳖甲育肝颗粒对乙醇性肝纤维化大鼠的影响*

目的:探讨鳖甲育肝颗粒对乙醇性肝纤维化大鼠的防治作用。方法:将SD大鼠随机分为空白对照组、模型对照组、鳖甲育肝颗粒对照组、秋水仙碱组、鳖甲育肝颗粒低剂量组和鳖甲育肝颗粒高剂量组(n=8),采用梯度乙醇灌胃法复制肝纤维化动物模型,即除了空白对照组及鳖甲育肝颗粒对照组灌胃等量纯净水外,其余各组大鼠第1～4周灌胃5 g/(kg·d)乙醇,第5～8周灌胃7 g/(kg·d)乙醇,第9～12周灌胃9 g/(kg·d)乙醇,第13～24周灌胃9.5 g/(kg·d)乙醇,其中乙醇剂量计算采用下列公式:乙醇剂量(g) = 无水乙醇体积(ml)×预配乙醇浓度(%)×0.8(g/ml),同时每天灌胃相应的药物:鳖甲育肝颗粒对照组灌胃鳖甲育肝颗粒5.55 g/kg、秋水仙碱组灌胃秋水仙碱0.1 mg/kg、鳖甲育肝颗粒低剂量组灌胃鳖甲育肝颗粒1.85 g/kg、鳖甲育肝颗粒高剂量组灌胃鳖甲育肝颗粒5.55 g/kg,空白对照组及模型对照组灌胃等量纯净水。实验第169日观测鳖甲育肝颗粒对大鼠肝脏脏器宏观变化、肝组织含水量及其纤维化病理变化、肝组织羟脯氨酸(Hyp)含量及α-平滑肌肌动蛋白(α-SMA)、CREB表达水平的影响。结果:1.85、5.55 g/kg鳖甲育肝颗粒能明显改善乙醇性肝纤维化大鼠肝脏脏器宏观变化及肝组织纤维化病理变化,降低肝组织含水量及Hyp的含量,下调α-SMA、CREB表达水平。结论:鳖甲育肝颗粒具有明显的抑制乙醇性肝纤维化的作用,而下调CREB是其抗肝纤维化的作用机制之一。     

Evaluation of the analgesic activity of extracts of Miconia rubiginosa (Melastomataceae)

The analgesic effects of the hexane, methylene chloride and ethanol extracts of Miconia rubiginosa were evaluated in mice and rats using the acetic acid-induced writhing and hot plate tests. The extracts (100, 200 and 300 mg/kg body wt.) and indomethacin (5 mg/kg body wt.) produced a significant (p < 0.05 and p < 0.01) inhibition of acetic acid-induced abdominal writhing. These same extracts (200 mg/kg body wt.) showed a significant (p < 0.05) antinociceptive effect, lower than that produced by morphine (4 mg/kg body wt.). The fractionation of the methylene chloride extract yielded ursolic and oleanoic acids as the major compounds. Using only gas chromatography, it was possible to identify the following triterpenes in the hexane extract: alpha-amyrin, beta-amyrin, lupeol and beta-sitosterol.     

The effect of acute ethanol treatment on rates of oxygen uptake, ethanol oxidation and gluconeogenesis in isolated rat hepatocytes.

In hepatocytes isolated from fed rats, acute ethanol pretreatment (at a dose of 5.0 g/kg body wt.) did not change rates of O2 uptake. In cells from starved animals, acute ethanol pretreatment increased O2 uptake by 17-29%. The increased O2 uptake in hepatocytes from starved rats was not accompanied by increased rates of ethanol oxidation, but was accompanied by increased rates of gluconeogenesis under some conditions. The provision of ethanol (10 mM) as a substrate to cells from fed or starved rats decreased O2 uptake in the absence of other substrates or in the presence of lactate, and increased it in the presence of pyruvate or lactate and pyruvate. The results of this study show that the acute effects of ethanol on liver O2 uptake are dependent on the physiological state of the liver. Previously reported large (2-fold) increases in O2 uptake after acute ethanol pretreatment may have been an artefact owing to low control uptake rates (approximately 1.8 micromol/min per g wet wt. of cells) in the liver preparation used. The ATP contents (2.4-2.6 micromol/g wet wt. of cells) and rates of O2 uptake (2.5-5.0 micromol/min per g wet wt. of cells) of cells used in the present study were the same as values reported under conditions close to those in vivo. Therefore the increase in O2 uptake in cells from starved rats after acute ethanol pretreatment is likely to be of physiological significance.     

Effect of ethanol in the pre-ovulatory period on the ovarian cycle, progesterone and estradiol in the rat

The effect of high doses of ethanol (2 and 4 g/kg) administered to rats in pre-ovulatory periods (18th hour of diestrus) was studied. Plasma levels of estradiol and progesterone were measured at 10 hours of oestrus and changes in the ovarian cycle and the number of mature follicles were recorded. Compared with the control group, the receptive phase of estrus of the treated animals was longer lasting over 2 to 3 days. There was also an increase in the number of mature follicles as well as an increase in the plasma level of estradiol on the morning of estrus. Progesterone values showed no significant variations. Ethanol administered at the 18th hour of diestrus inhibits ovulation but not follicle development and allows the maintenance of high levels of estrogens on the morning of estrus. As a result the keratinization of the vaginal epithelium and the estrus phase are prolonged by 2 or 3 days.     

Changes in the blood of Wistar rats in acute poisoning with ethanol and acetaldehyde

1. The purpose of the study was to investigate the effect of ethanol and acetaldehyde on the erythrocyte and leucocyte system of Wistar rats. 2. Administration of the ethanol or acetaldehyde caused a considerable drop in the number of erythrocytes, haemoglobin level and haematocrit value in rats. 3. The mean erythrocyte volume was smaller after only 0.5 hr of exposure to ethyl alcohol. 4. The solutions used caused changes in the leucocyte system expressed in distinct neutrophilic leucocytosis. 5. Changes in the leucogram were reflected in the increase in the leucocyte index. 6. The degree of intensity of changes in both the erythrocyte and leucocyte system point to the greater toxicity of ethyl alcohol intoxication than is the case of acetaldehyde in a toxically corresponding dose (i.e. 0.5 and 5 g/kg body wt respectively).     

Follicular growth and kinetics during the estrous cycle, pregnancy and postpartum in the Indian mole rat (Bandicota bengalensis)

Follicular growth and kinetics were studied in detail in the ovaries of the Indian mole rat (Bandicota bengalensis) during various stages of the estrous cycle; days 7, 12, 15, 19, and 21 of pregnancy; and day 2 postpartum. The sizes of follicles, oocytes, nuclei, and nucleoli were measured. In all rats, regression coefficients, a, and intercepts, b, were calculated in oocyte/follicle, oocyte nucleus/follicle and oocyte nucleus/oocyte regressions. The oocyte reached its maximum size when the average follicle diameter was 117 microns in nonpregnant rats and 131 microns in pregnant rats. The oocyte nucleus attained maximum size when the follicle diameter was 110 microns during the estrous cycle and 111 microns during pregnancy and postpartum. Maximum values of the diameter of the largest antral follicle and average diameter of the four largest antral follicles were observed during proestrus (473 and 442 microns, respectively) and on day 21 of pregnancy (611 and 538 microns, respectively). Chi 2 analysis showed that distribution of various types of follicles was not independent of the stage of the estrous cycle and pregnancy. In estrus and metestrus most of the follicles were between stages I and V. However, by diestrus and proestrus, follicles of all size groups developed. The numbers of stage I and II follicles did not differ as pregnancy advanced. More stage V follicles were present on day 12 than on day 7 of pregnancy; however, their numbers decreased by day 15. Afterwards, progressive increase of stage V and (VI + VII) follicles was observed until day 21. This was accompanied by the shift of follicles from stage (III + IV) on days 19 and 21 of pregnancy and even of stage II on day 2 postpartum. Wherever possible, the results have been compared with previous observations in various rodent species.     

Ethanol potentiates in vivo hepatotoxicity of endosulfan in adult male rats.

In an attempt to evaluate the effect and interaction of ethanol on endosulfan-induced hepatotoxicity in vivo to adult male rats, both, endosulfan (7.5 mg/kg body wt) and ethanol (1.5 g/kg body wt) were studied separately as well as in combination after a chronic oral exposure of 30 days. When fed separately, both the agents were found to induce microsomal mixed function oxidase (MFO) system in treated animals. A simultaneous induction in the activity of cytosolic GSH-s-transferase was found to be associated with significantly induced ascorbate-induced microsomal lipid peroxidation. Both endosulfan and ethanol showed increasing trends in the activities of reducing equivalent (NADPH)-generating enzymes in liver. The activity of hepatic alcohol dehydrogenase was, however, found to be relatively unaffected. When ethanol was administered in combination with endosulfan, the observed effects on the activities of major drug metabolizing enzymes, microsomal lipid peroxidation and NADPH generation were further pronounced. Findings demonstrated the MFO inducing capability of both endosulfan and ethanol, and showed further that chronic ethanol ingestion might potentiate the in vivo hepatotoxicity of endosulfan if administered in combination.     

Effects of Exogenous Selenium on Nicotine-Induced Oxidative Stress in Rats

The effect of two different doses of selenium [1 and 50 μg selenium/100 g body weight (wt)] on nicotine-induced oxidative damage in liver was investigated in experimental rats. Male albino rats were maintained for 60 days as follows: (1) control group (normal diet), (2) nicotine group (0.6 mg/kg body wt)/day, (3) high-dose selenium (50 μg/100 g body wt)/day, (4) high-dose selenium (50 μg/100 g body wt) + nicotine (0.6 mg/kg body wt)/day, (5) low-dose selenium (1 μg/100 g body wt)/day, and (6) low-dose selenium (1 μg/100 g body wt) + nicotine (0.6 mg/kg body wt)/day. Nicotine administration caused a decrease in the activity of antioxidant enzymes, an increase in the concentration of lipid peroxidation products and protein carbonyls and an increase in the activity of nitric oxide synthase compared to the control group. Coadministration of nicotine and selenium reduced the concentration of lipid peroxidation products and increased the activity of antioxidant enzymes compared to the nicotine group. Selenium also enhanced the metabolism of nicotine. The antioxidant effect was more significant in the group administered a low dose of selenium.     

In utero exposure of mice to diethylstilbestrol alters neonatal ovarian follicle growth and development

The prenatal exposure of mice to diethylstilbestrol (DES, 10 micrograms/kg on day 15 of gestation) caused both quantitative and structural alterations in ovarian follicles within the neonatal ovary. At birth, control ovaries consisted of small type 1 and 2 ovarian follicles located in the ovarian cortex. By postnatal day 7, ovarian follicle development had advanced to the type 4 stage with larger follicles located within the ovarian medulla. In DES-exposed animals, ovarian follicle maturation was advanced with type 3b and 4 follicles appearing 24 h prior to their appearance in control animals. Also, type 5 ovarian follicles were present on postnatal day 6 in experimental animals but were never seen in control animals. In addition to an alteration in ovarian follicle dynamics, the diameter of individual ovarian follicles was transit time between the various stages of follicular development which results in a greater number of developmentally advanced ovarian follicles being present during neonatal ovarian development. The mechanism by which prenatal exposure to DES alters ovarian follicle dynamics during neonatal development is not known.     

Ovarian follicle dynamics of female Greater Scaup during egg production

ABSTRACT.   Studies of female waterfowl nutrient reserve use during egg production require a precise understanding of ovarian follicle dynamics to correctly interpret breeding status, and, therefore, derive proper inference. Concerns over numerical declines of North American scaup have increased the need to better understand the role of female condition in reproductive performance. We quantified ovarian follicle dynamics of female Greater Scaup ( Aythya marila ) breeding on the Yukon–Kuskokwim Delta, Alaska, using a method that accounts for within day variation in follicle size. We considered several models for describing changes in follicle growth with the best supported model estimating the duration of rapid follicle growth (RFG) to be 5.20 ± 0.52 days (±95% confidence intervals) for each developing follicle. Average diameter and dry mass of preovulatory follicles were estimated to be 9.36 mm and 0.26 g, respectively, at the onset of RFG, and these follicle characteristics were 41.47 mm and 15.57 g, respectively, at ovulation. The average diameter of postovulatory follicles immediately following ovulation was estimated to be 17.35 mm, regressing quickly over several days. In addition, we derived predictive equations using diameter and dry mass to estimate the number of days before, and after, ovulation for pre- and postovulatory follicles, as well as an equation to estimate dry mass of damaged follicles. Our results allow precise definition of RFG and nest initiation dates, clutch size, and the daily energetic and nutritional demands of egg production at the individual level. This study provides the necessary foundation for additional work on Greater Scaup reproductive energetics and physiology, and offers an approach for quantifying ovarian follicle dynamics in other species.     

In vitro steroidogenesis by dissociated rat follicles, primary to antral, before and after injection of equine chorionic gonadotropin.

Prepubertal female rats were injected s.c. with 5.0 IU eCG, and ovaries were collected 24 and 48 h post-eCG, on Day 25, as well as from an untreated group also on Day 25. Large antral follicles were manually dissected, and the ovarian remnants were incubated with collagenase overnight to liberate preantral follicles from adhering stromal cells. The viability of the follicles was established by normal histology and lack of pyknotic granulosa cells (GCs) and by their ability to secrete steroids. After a 1-h baseline incubation, either 10 ng LH or 100 ng FSH was added for an additional hour, and the media-before and after gonadotropin administration-were used to measure progesterone, androstenedione, and estradiol by RIA. A distinct hierarchy existed in steroid synthesis, with the maximal production by the largest (700 microm) antral follicles. The major steroid that had accumulated after addition of LH at 48 h post-eCG was androstenedione (1099 pg/follicle per hour), followed by equal amounts of progesterone (155 pg/follicle per hour) and estradiol (191 pg/follicle per hour). There was a precipitous drop in steroid production by 550-microm and 400-microm antral follicles, especially in estradiol for the latter-sized follicles (0.08 pg/follicle per hour). Preantral follicles also produced progesterone and androstenedione after addition of LH. For example, follicles 222 microm in diameter with 4-5 layers of GCs and well-developed theca responded to LH at 48 h post-eCG by accumulating androstenedione (37 pg/follicle per hour) and progesterone (6 pg/follicle per hour) but negligible estradiol. The smallest follicles secreting steroids, 110-148 microm in diameter, had 2-4 layers of GCs. However, primary follicles (1 layer of GCs and no theca) did not synthesize appreciable amounts of any steroid. Although small preantral follicles were consistently stimulated by LH, FSH was ineffective. This result differs from findings in the hamster showing that intact preantral follicles with 1-4 layers of GCs and no theca respond to FSH by secreting progesterone in vitro (Roy and Greenwald, Biol Reprod 1987; 31:39-46). The technique developed to collect intact rat follicles should be useful for numerous investigations.