Morphometry and immunohistochemistry of follicles growth and steroidogenesis in saharian wild sand rat, Psammomys obesus, ovary.

Abstract

Abstract:The sand rat (Psammomys obesus) constitutes a model to study seasonal changes and several metabolic disorders. In order to perform breeding laboratory conditions, the reproductive function of this species living in North Occidental Algerian Sahara was studied. The aim of this work was to investigate the follicular growth changes and the steroidogenic associated aspects. The study was performed using morphometrical and immunohistochemical methods. From primordial to preantral states, the follicle diameter increased progressively from 17-20 μm to 192-225 μm. The preovulatory follicles reached about 500 μm in diameter. Immunoreactivity to progesterone, androstenediol and estradiol, varied in the different parts of the ovary and follicular cells. The progesterone antibody appeared clearly labelled in the theca interna of the growing follicle and increased in the granulosa; the androgen antibody was continuously weak and diffuses in all follicles; the estradiol labelling appeared weak and diffuse in preantral follicles then increased in antral follicles in both theca and granulosa or only in granulosa. In antral follicles, estradiol label was clearly localized in granulosa cells and totally devoid in theca cells. In Psammomys ovary, labels of hormone were diffuse or localized, weak or intense in the theca and or in the granulosa according to the follicle size.

Quinine inhibits ovulation and produces oxidative stress in the ovary of cyclic Sprague-Dawley rats

“…Estrogens and progesterone are important in the normal functioning of the female reproductive system. The balance in hormonal interplay between estrogens and progesterone is responsible for a normal regular cycle34,35. Several authors have demonstrated that progesterone secreted during the diestrus phase intensifies the negative feedback of estradiol on basal LH secretion and when the level of progesterone falls at luteal regression, estradiol and LH levels rise and ovulation occurs within the following 6–8 h36–39.…”