Abstract
In vitro perifusion of whole ovaries raises questions about tissue viability and its effects on the observed ovarian steroid secretion. To assess effects of tissue degeneration, whole and quartered ovaries from pregnant mare serum gonadotropin (PMSG-) treated immature rats were perifused for 8 h, employing various levels of pO2. Histological examination of both the whole and quartered ovary showed signs of degeneration in centrally located follicles but not in follicles located near the surface. However, basal and gonadotropin-stimulated (luteinizing hormone plus follicle stimulating hormone) secretion of estradiol, testosterone and progesterone were not significantly different in the whole ovary whether in the presence of high or low PO2 (n=8; p > 0.05). Similarly, although the quartered ovary secreted greater amounts of steroids than did the whole ovaries (p < 0.05, n=8), pO2 levels did not affect the steroid output. We conclude that during in vitro perifusion, minimal oxygen supply is sufficient for ovarian steroidogenesis to proceed. In addition, although quartered ovaries displayed some evidence of tissue degeneration, they were more responsive in terms of steroid output per mg ovary than were whole ovaries.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 239-245 |
Number of pages | 7 |
Journal | Gynecological Endocrinology |
Volume | 6 |
Issue number | 4 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - 1992 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Gonadotropins
- In Vitro Perifusion
- Oxygen Tension
- Rat Ovaries
- Steroidogenesis
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism
- Endocrinology
- Obstetrics and Gynecology