scholarly journals Memoirs: On the Corpora Lutea and Interstitial Tissue of the Ovary in the Marsupialia

1916 ◽  
Vol s2-61 (244) ◽  
pp. 433-473
Author(s):  
CHAS. H. O'DONOGHUE
Keyword(s):  
Connective Tissue ◽  
Corpus Luteum ◽  
Early Stage ◽  
Interstitial Cells ◽  
The Body ◽  
Interstitial Tissue ◽  
Corpora Lutea ◽  
Central Cavity ◽  
Satisfactory Account ◽  
Theca Interna

The Corpus Luteum (a) Follicular Wall--The membrana granulosa in the three species, P. cinereus, T. vulpecula, and D. aurita, is composed of typical polygonal cells arranged three or four cells deep around the ripe follicle. The theca folliculi also calls for no special comment in any case. It is composed of internal and external layers, does not contain any included interstitial cells, and its cells are always readily distinguishable from membrana granulosa cells. (b) The Formation of the Corpus Luteum--The corpus luteum in P. cinereus is formed by the irruption of both layers of the theca folliculi, which burst through the membrana granulosa and form a lining on its inner side. This method of formation is similar to that in P. obesula, P. nasuta, and M. ruficollis. The ripe follicle in T. vulpecula collapses when the ovum is extruded, and the central cavity is at once obliterated. The theca folliculi is drawn in with the membrana granulosa, which it penetrates, and the connective tissue becomes irregularly distributed through the body. It is unlike the process in any other marsupial so far examined, but to a certain extent resembles that in the mouse. In D. aurita the thecal irruptions do not at once go through the membrana granulosa, but push it before them until the central cavity is practically filled in, and then they break through and form the central plug of connective tissue. In one example, a very early stage, mitoses were found in the cells of the membrana granulosa, as was also the case in P. obesula and P. nasuta. (c) The fully formed Corpus Luteum.--The corpus luteum in P. cinereus remains hollow even when fully grown, and the central cavity does not get filled in until some time after the birth of the young, apparently not until the gland has started to decline. This condition is apparently unique. In T. vulpecula the corpus luteum is fairly typical when full grown, save that its connective tissue is much more irregularly arranged than in other marsupials. The condition of the corpus in D. aurita is very similar to that in D. viverrinus In no case is the membrana granulosa shed, nor does the theca interna contribute to the lutein cells of the corpus luteum. The Interstitial Tissue. There is present in the ovary of certain species of marsupials a tissue which corresponds histologically to the interstitial tissue in the ovary of the higher mammals. The cells are always distinguishable from ordinary stroma cells, cells of the theca interna, old lutein cells, or the cells of an atresic follicle, and there is no evidence that any of the last three are at any time transformed into interstitial cells. Such cells are present in the pouch young of T. vulpecula before they could have been derived from any of the sources suggested above. Interstitial tissue is to be regarded as a tissue suigeneris, although it is possible that it may originate from modified stroma cells at a very early stage. The tissue is irregularly distributed in the various species of marsupials, and it is worthy of note that it is present in all the Diprotodontia and absent in the Polyprotodontia so far examined. It may be present only as a few small groups of cells or in such quantity as to form by far the largest part of the bulk of the ovary, excluding corpora lutea, as, for example, in P. penicillata. The tissue has a typical glandular appearance, but no satisfactory account of its function has yet been put forward, and in view of this and its irregularity it is preferable not to call it a gland, but retain the term interstitial tissue or cells.

scholarly journals The development and vascularisation of the corpus luteum in the mouse and rabbit

1930 ◽  
Vol 107 (748) ◽  
pp. 60-76 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Connective Tissue ◽  
Corpus Luteum ◽  
Species Differences ◽  
Reasonable Doubt ◽  
Corpora Lutea ◽  
Functional Elements ◽  
Early Stages ◽  
Complete Series ◽  
The Subject ◽  
Theca Interna

The development of the corpus luteum from the ruptured follicle has been the subject of a very large number of memoirs. Of these the most important have been summarised by Van der Stricht (1912) up to 1912 and more recently by Hill and Gatenby (1926) and Corner (1919), so that no useful purpose would be served by recapitulating in detail the controversial discussions contained in them. Many of the older papers are not based on a complete series of early stages of early stages of corpora lutea, since either the material was not available, or else the writers were unable to diagnose accurately the time of œstus. Sobotta (1890, 1897), Cohn (1903), Marshall (1904, 1925), and van der Stricht 91912), however, drew their conclusions from a series of accurately dated ovaries, as have more recent workers (Cornern 1919; Drips, 1919; Hill and Gatenby, 1926; Kurashige, 1927; Long and Evans, 1922; and Watrin, 1924). It is now generally agreed-and has been shown conclusively in the work of Hill and Gatenby (1926)-that the lutein cells are formed by the enlargement of the follicullar epithelium. The fate of the theca interna cells, which surround the mature follicle prior to ovulation, is still a matter of dispute, and the problem is complicated by histological species differences. There seems no reasonable doubt, however, that these elements take part in the formation of the corpus luteum, since, in numerous cases, the typical fat containing cells, closely associated with the vascular connective tissue, can be distiguished among the follicular lutein cells after ovulation. It remains to be decided whether or not they persist as functional elements, and retain their individuality.

Comparison of cellular distribution of LH receptors and steroidogenic enzymes in the porcine ovary

1996 ◽  
Vol 148 (3) ◽  
pp. 435-446 ◽  
Author(s):  
G Meduri ◽  
M T Vu Hai ◽  
A Jolivet ◽  
S Takemori ◽  
S Kominami ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Corpus Luteum ◽  
Distinct Pattern ◽  
Hormonal Control ◽  
Interstitial Tissue ◽  
Corpora Lutea ◽  
Preovulatory Follicle ◽  
Steroidogenic Enzymes ◽  
Lh Receptor ◽  
Luteal Cells ◽  
Theca Interna

Abstract Previous studies have shown a heterogeneous expression of LH receptors in various structures of the porcine ovary. Specially striking was the existence in the preovulatory follicle of inner layers of theca interna cells devoid of LH receptor and the confinement in the corpus luteum of the LH receptor to the external cellular layers. In the present study, we have compared the steroidogenic capabilities of LH receptor-positive and -negative cells using immunocytochemistry for side-chain cleavage P450, 3β-hydroxysteroid-dehydrogenase, 17α-hydroxylase P450 and aromatase P450. We have also examined, using the same methods, the evolution of the various cell types after ovulation and during the development of the corpus luteum. In preovulatory follicles the inner layers of theca cells which were not labelled with anti-LH receptor antibodies appeared to express the steroidogenic enzymes in a way similar to that of the outer LH receptor-positive cell layers. Ovulation per se did not change the distribution of LH receptors (present in the outer luteal cells and in the granulosa) or of steroidogenic enzymes. However, 48 h after follicular rupture there was a marked decrease in overall labelling with anti-LH receptor antibody, and especially a disappearance of immunostaining in the luteal cells of granulosa origin. In the mid-luteal phase (6 days after ovulation), the receptor content seemed to increase in the peripheral luteal cells derived from the theca but the receptor did not reappear in the granulosa-derived luteal cells. Thus the down-regulation of LH receptor appeared to be reversible in the external thecal layers but irreversible in the granulosa cells. Furthermore, the distribution of the various steroidogenic enzymes in the corpora lutea delineated granulosa-derived from theca-derived cells and showed that only the external layers of the latter expressed the LH receptor. These results showed the existence in the preovulatory follicle of two theca interna regions expressing the same steroidogenic enzymes but possibly submitted to a different hormonal control. Furthermore, the cells derived from these two regions as well as the cells of granulosa origin showed a distinct pattern of variation of LH receptivity during the development of the corpus luteum. During these studies we also observed that, in the interstitial tissue, only a minority of cells which derived from remnants of atretic follicles expressed both the LH receptor and the steroidogenic enzymes. Journal of Endocrinology (1996) 148, 435–446

STEROID METABOLIC PATHWAYS IN THE OVARY OF THE CHINCHILLA (CHINCHILLA LANIGER)

1972 ◽  
Vol 52 (1) ◽  
pp. 37-50 ◽  
Author(s):  
W. H. TAM
Keyword(s):  
Corpus Luteum ◽  
Metabolic Pathways ◽  
Ovarian Tissue ◽  
Controlling Factor ◽  
Steroid Metabolism ◽  
Interstitial Tissue ◽  
Corpora Lutea ◽  
Luteal Tissue ◽  
Kinetic Investigations ◽  
High Yields

SUMMARY The ovarian tissue components of the pregnant chinchilla were incubated with equimolar amounts of [7α-3H]pregnenolone and [4-14C]progesterone. The greater contribution by [7α-3H]pregnenolone than by [4-14C]progesterone towards the formation of 17α-hydroxyprogesterone and androstenedione, and the relatively high yields of 17α-hydroxypregnenolone and dehydroepiandrosterone showed that both the 4-ene and 5-ene pathways of steroid metabolism were used in the interstitial tissue. No significant amount of 17α-hydroxylation was observed in the primary and accessory corpora lutea. The results of kinetic investigations using [7α-3H]pregnenolone as substrate also demonstrated a precursor—product relationship between dehydroepiandrosterone and androstenedione in the interstitial tissue, but this was not apparent in the luteal tissue. The results indicated that the interstitial tissue was capable of synthesizing progesterone and oestrogens as major products, and that the lack of 17α-hydroxylation in the luteal tissue was a controlling factor ensuring the synthesis of progesterone as its principal hormonal product. A small amount of [4-14C]dehydroepiandrosterone was always isolated with a much larger amount of the tritiated compound. This implied the conversion of 14C-labelled 4-en-3-oxosteroids into 5-ene-3β-hydroxysteroids which has generally been regarded as impossible. The isolation of this product, which may be an artifact, and the possibility that progesterone and oestrogens may be synthesized by different cells (granulosa and theca lutein cells) in the corpus luteum, or that there may be a third pathway for oestrogen synthesis, as suggested by the results of the kinetic experiments, are discussed.

scholarly journals HISTOCHEMICAL STUDIES ON GLYCOSIDASES OF THE RAT OVARY AND PLACENTA

1965 ◽  
Vol 13 (5) ◽  
pp. 396-403 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. BULMER
Keyword(s):  
Interstitial Cells ◽  
Corpora Lutea ◽  
Visceral Endoderm ◽  
Glucuronidase Activity ◽  
Coupling Methods ◽  
Metrial Gland ◽  
Rat Ovary ◽  
Theca Interna ◽  
Cytological Localization ◽  
Post Coupling

In the rat ovary and placenta the distribution of β-glucuronidase and β-galactosidase activities shown by the 6-bromo-2-naphthol post-coupling methods differs markedly from the distribution of β-glucuronidase activity which is indicated by the Fishman-Baker ferric hydroxyquinoline technique. In the ovary the intense reactions in interstitial cells and luteal cells with the post-coupling methods may be partly due to diffusion of intermediate reaction product. In the placenta a distribution is indicated for both glycosidases which is similar to the distribution pattern of acid phosphatase and organophosphate-resistant esterase. It is unlikely that the granular reactions obtained in some situations with the post-coupling methods can be regarded as an exact cytological localization of enzyme activity. The simultaneous coupling method for acetylglucosaminidase shows strong reactions in ovarian macrophages and atretic follicles, with weaker activity in corpora lutea, interstitial cells, and theca interna. In the placenta the visceral endoderm and decidua are strongly reactive, with weaker activity in the metrial gland and trophoblast. In some situations the reaction product is deposited in granular from, probably on the surface of lysosomal particles.

PROGESTATIONAL STEROIDS DURING PSEUDOPREGNANCY IN THE RABBIT

1972 ◽  
Vol 55 (1) ◽  
pp. 89-96 ◽  
Author(s):  
ELISABETH HORRELL ◽  
PATRICIA W. MAJOR ◽  
R. KILPATRICK ◽  
BRENDA M. SMITH
Keyword(s):  
Corpus Luteum ◽  
Significant Alteration ◽  
Interstitial Tissue ◽  
Corpora Lutea ◽  
Steroid Synthesis ◽  
Progesterone Secretion ◽  
Pregnant Rabbit

SUMMARY The secretion of progestational steroids by the rabbit ovary was examined during pseudopregnancy. Progesterone secretion rose up to the mid-period but exceeded secretion of 20α-dihydroprogesterone only on days 7 and 9. The development of the corpus luteum and interstitial tissue and their content of progestational steroids were also examined during this period. The progesterone content of corpus luteum tissue fell towards the end of pseudopregnancy, while the corpora lutea remained large. Levels of 20α-dihydroprogesterone were generally higher in the interstitial tissue after the first few days. A significant alteration in the pattern of steroid synthesis and secretion occurred at a time corresponding to the period of implantation in the pregnant rabbit.

Size distribution of steroidogenic and non-steroidogenic ovine luteal cells throughout pregnancy

2002 ◽  
Vol 75 (3) ◽  
pp. 427-432 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ş. Arikan ◽  
A. A. Yigit
Keyword(s):  
Corpus Luteum ◽  
Size Distribution ◽  
Early Stage ◽  
Wide Spectrum ◽  
Late Pregnancy ◽  
Corpora Lutea ◽  
Luteal Cells ◽  
Mean Diameter ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Steroidogenic Cells

AbstractThe present study examines the size distribution of ovine steroidogenic and non-steroidogenic luteal cells throughout pregnancy. Cells were isolated from corpora lutea collected from early (< 8 weeks), mid (9 to 14 weeks) or late (15 to 18 weeks) stages of pregnancy. Cells were stained for 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3β-HSD) activity, a marker for steroidogenic cells. Both 3β-HSD positive and β-HSD negative cells covered a wide spectrum of size ranging from 7 to 37 μm in diameter. There was a significant increase (P > 0·01) in mean diameter of non-steroidogenic luteal cells as pregnancy progressed. Mean diameter of 3β-HSD negative cells increased from 17·8 (s.e. 0·4) μm in the corpus luteum of early stage of pregnancy to 22·4 (s.e. 0·3) μm in the corpus luteum of advanced pregnancy. However, there was no significant increase in the mean diameter of 3β-HSD positive cells. Corpora lutea obtained from early stages of the pregnancy contained more steroidogenic cells than the cells obtained from mid and late pregnancy (P < 0·01). Percentage of 3β-HSD negative cells had increased 2·07-fold by 18 weeks of pregnancy when compared with the early stage of pregnancy. In contrast, percentage of 3β-HSD positive cells had decreased to 50% of starting values during the same period (P < 0·05). These results indicate that the ovine corpus luteum of pregnancy is morphologically dynamic over the course of pregnancy. Steroidogenic activity of luteal cells may decrease as pregnancy progresses, especially activity of the large luteal cells.

The reproduction of the African elephant, Loxodonta Africana

1953 ◽  
Vol 237 (643) ◽  
pp. 93-149 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Corpus Luteum ◽  
Reproductive Organs ◽  
Gestation Period ◽  
Striking Similarity ◽  
Phylogenetic Position ◽  
Interstitial Tissue ◽  
Corpora Lutea ◽  
Linear Measurements ◽  
Hormonal Stimulus ◽  
Control Work

Between December 1946 and December 1948, and January to March 1950, 150 elephants made available in the course of control work carried out by the Uganda Game Department were examined in greater or less detail according to circumstances. Eighty-one were females, of which sixty-seven were adult and thirty-one had an embryo in the uterus. All the dissections were carried out in the field, and the present account includes observations on the terrain, the food of the elephant, and other aspects of its ecology. Linear measurements of the carcasses and photographs of the molar teeth provide a guide to the age of specimens. Tusk growth is nearly similar in males and females until puberty, after which those of females generally cease to grow. The reproductive organs of the male are briefly described; those of the female are described in more detail, and discrepancies between existing accounts are considered in the light of this relatively extensive series of specimens. The mode of formation of the ovarial sac is unusual and is described from foetal, neonatal and adult specimens. There is marked hypertrophy of the interstitial tissue of the foetal gonads during the later stages of gestation. Breeding occurs at all times of year, but mating is possibly more frequent in the period December to March than at other times. Both sexes reach maturity at 8 to 12 years, and the female continues to breed until old age. Parturition is followed by a lactation anoestrus, after which the female undergoes a number of brief oestrous cycles until pregnancy ensues, lactation being continued throughout the subsequent gestation period. The interval between parturition and subsequent conception is normally of the same order of duration as the gestation period, and the normal calving interval appears to be rather less than four years. The ovarian cycle of the adult is characterized by the occurrence of multiple ovulation and the presence of many apparently active and histologically indistinguishable corpora lutea in both ovaries at all the stages of pregnancy which were encountered. It is probable that the corpus luteum of pregnancy develops from one of a number of follicles which ovulate under the same hormonal stimulus, and that it persists together with the accessory corpora lutea, some of which arise from follicles which ovulate and some from follicles which luteinize without ovulating. The corpora lutea are replaced about mid-pregnancy by a second set, which are formed by the luteinization of all the follicles with antra in both ovaries; some at least of the larger ones ovulate while many smaller ones do not. Follicular growth is suppressed in the later stages of pregnancy. The cycle of events bears some resemblance to that which occurs in the mare, and the comparison is discussed in detail. The ovarian periphery is characterized by numerous subsurface crypts and papillose projections which increase the area of the germinal epithelium. A description of the placenta and foetal membranes is in preparation, and preliminary study reveals a striking similarity to Hyrax , particularly in the quadri-lobulate allantois. The findings are discussed with reference to the phylogenetic position of the genus, the probable role of the corpus luteum in pregnancy, and the significance of the results in relation to the conservation of existing wild elephant populations.

Ovarian steroid metabolism and oestrogens in the corpus luteum of the tammar wallaby

1984 ◽  
Vol 101 (2) ◽  
pp. 231-NP ◽  
Author(s):  
M. B. Renfree ◽  
A. P. F. Flint ◽  
S. W. Green ◽  
R. B. Heap
Keyword(s):  
Corpus Luteum ◽  
Follicular Development ◽  
Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase ◽  
Tammar Wallaby ◽  
Steroid Metabolism ◽  
Interstitial Tissue ◽  
Corpora Lutea ◽  
Embryonic Diapause ◽  
Probable Source

ABSTRACT Ovaries were obtained from tammar wallabies at various stages of the reproductive cycle to examine the occurrence of oestrogens in corpora lutea, and the synthesis and metabolism of steroids in the corpus luteum and ovarian cortical and interstitial tissues. Corpora lutea contained oestradiol-17β and oestrone during embryonic diapause and at all stages of pregnancy studied after blastocyst activation. Aryl sulphatase, 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase and 17β-oxidoreductase were shown to be present in luteal and other ovarian tissues by incubation in vitro with labelled substrates. Aromatase was undetectable in corpora lutea or in interstitial tissue, but was present in the ovarian tissues (including follicles) which remained after removal of corpora lutea. The probable source of the oestrogens detected in the corpus luteum is discussed in relation to their role in the inhibition of follicular development during embryonic diapause. J. Endocr. (1984) 101, 231–240

3β-HYDROXYSTEROID DEHYDROGENASE ACTIVITY IN THE MOUSE OVARY

1965 ◽  
Vol 32 (3) ◽  
pp. 365-371 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. M. FERGUSON
Keyword(s):  
Dehydrogenase Activity ◽  
Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase ◽  
The Other ◽  
Interstitial Tissue ◽  
Corpora Lutea ◽  
Mouse Ovary ◽  
Colour Reaction ◽  
Theca Interna

SUMMARY Sections of ovaries from 30 Swiss white mice were incubated with ten steroid substrates to demonstrate 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase activity histochemically. The substrates were: (1) 3β-hydroxypregn-5-en-20-one (pregnenolone), (2) 3β,17α-dihydroxypregn-5-en-20-one (17α-hydroxypregnenolone), (3) 3β-hydroxyandrost-5-en-17-one (DHA), (4) 3β,17β-dihydroxyandrost-5-ene (androstenediol), (5) 3β-sulphoxypregn-5-en-20-one (pregnenolone sulphate), (6) 3β-sulphoxy-17α-hydroxypregn-5-en-20-one (17α-hydroxypregnenolone sulphate), (7) 3β-sulphoxyandrost-5-en-17-one (DHA sulphate), (8) 3β-acetoxypregn-5-en-20-one (pregnenolone acetate), (9) 3β-acetoxyandrost-5-en-17-one (DHA acetate), and (10) 3β-acetoxy-17β-hydroxyandrost-5-ene (androstenediol acetate). Pregnenolone, 17α-hydroxypregnenolone, DHA and androstenediol gave a colour reaction in the corpora lutea, interstitial tissue, theca interna and stroma of all ovaries examined. The granulosa of many follicles, some thought to be atretic, also contained diformazan granules. 17α-Hydroxypregnenolone did not give as intense a reaction as the other free steroids. No diformazan was deposited with DHA sulphate as substrate. Pregnenolone sulphate and 17α-hydroxypregnenolone sulphate were used by the same tissues as were the free steroids, although they were much less well utilized. Utilization of 3β-acetoxy derivatives was similar to that of the free steroids.

DISTRIBUTION PATTERN OF A NON-STEROID COMPOUND WITH ENDOCRINE ACTIONS, 14C-BIS(P-HYDROXYPHENYL)CYCLOHEXYLIDENEMETHANE (COMPOUND F6060) AND ITS DIACETATE (COMPOUND F6066)

1965 ◽  
Vol 50 (1) ◽  
pp. 35-43 ◽  
Author(s):  
Å. Hanngren ◽  
N. Einer-Jensen ◽  
S. Ullberg
Keyword(s):  
Distribution Pattern ◽  
Yolk Sac ◽  
The Body ◽  
Whole Body ◽  
Intestinal Lumen ◽  
Interstitial Tissue ◽  
Corpora Lutea ◽  
Visceral Yolk Sac ◽  
Chicken Oviduct ◽  
Low Toxicity

ABSTRACT While testing a series of unsymmetrical diphenylalkenes, it was observed that bis(p-hydroxyphenyl)cyclohexylidenemethane (compound F6060) and its diacetate (compound F6066) had an oestrogenic activity of about 1/1000 that of oestradiol benzoate. Further pharmacological investigations showed antioestrogenic (chicken oviduct test) and antigestagenic (Clauberg test) properties. The compounds had a low toxicity both in acute and chronic tests. In order to further elucidate the physiology of the compounds they were labelled with 14C and their distribution in the body was investigated by whole body autoradiography in male and female (pregnant and nonpregnant) mice. A rapid and selective accumulation of both compounds was observed in the corpora lutea. A selective and progressively increasing accumulation was also seen in the visceral yolk sac epithelium. A slight accumulation was also found in the hypophysis, the adrenal cortex, the endometrium, the interstitial tissue of the testis and ovary, the epididymis and the mucosa of the seminal vesicles. No accumulation was found in the prostate. There was a very low concentration in the foetus during the whole course of observation. In addition to the radioactivity in the liver, bile and intestinal lumen, the only organs showing any retention 24 hours after administration were the corpora lutea and yolk sac epithelium. The distribution pattern is in agreement with the physiological findings of an antigestagenic effect. The concentration in the yolk sac epithelium suggests further studies on the localization of the different steps in gestagen biosynthesis.

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