Steroid Hormone Formation in the Human Ovary: IV. Ovarian Stromal Compartment: Formation of Radioactive Steroids from Acetate-1-¹⁴C and Action of Gonadotropins

Comparative morphological and histochemical observations on the ovarian stromal compartment in mammals with special reference to steroidogenesis

“…Nor are they seen in the com ponents of small follicles which are believed to form a part of ovarian strom a used in in vitro biochemical techniques [Savard et al, 1965;Rice and Savard, 1966|. However, the cvtological and histochemical features of steroid-producing cells are conspicuously developed in the theca interna cells of developing antral follicles in the hum an ovarv as well as in the ovaries of some other m am m alian species | G uraya, 1968k]. In the ovaries of some m am m alian species (flog, cattle and rhesus monkey) the epithelial cords also develop the histochemical features of steroid-producing cells [see Gi raya, 19681].…”

“…The formation of androgenic steroids in in vitro biochemical studies as the principal product of ovarian stroma has suggested that this compartment forms a distinct gland of internal secretion within the human ovary in addition to other compartments such as the follicle and corpus luteum which secrete different steroids [see Savaho it «/., 1965; R ick and Savard, 1966). Ovarian stroma used for these in vitro biochemical studies has been considered to be comprised of follicles in various stages of development and atresia with their thecal linings, stromal tissue from which the thecal cells are said to be derived, and scattered interstitial cells, which are said to be derived from stromal and thecal elements.…”

Circulating levels of testosterone, 17 β-oestradiol, luteinising hormone and prolactin in postmenopausal breast cancer patients

“…Androgens are known to be synthesized in the interstitial tissue of the ovary (Rice & Savard, 1966), and a high incidence of hyperplastic ovarian interstitial tissue has been described in breast cancer patients (Smith & Smith, 1953;Sommers, 1955;Sommers & Teloh, 1952). A previous study from our laboratory (Grattarola, 1976) showed ovarian interstitial hyperplasia and elevated urinary testosterone excretion in a large number of pre-and postmenopausal breast cancer patients submitted to ovariectomy.…”

Concentration of testosterone glucuronide in urine from women with breast tumours

“…It was postulated that the increased androgen production probably originated from the ovaries. This claim is supported by the finding of interstitial-cell hyperplasia (Hall and Dederiel, 1959), and the conclusion that this ovarian compartment is concerned primarily with the production of Clg-steroids (Rice and Savard, 1966;Mattingley and Huang, 1969).…”