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At least 343 records · Page 19Linked to original sources
PubMed1992

The in vitro perifused rat ovary: I. Steroid secretion in response to ramp and pulsatile stimulation with luteinizing hormone and follicle stimulating hormone.

A computer-controlled perifusion apparatus has been used to investigate the effects of different patterns of hormonal stimulation on secretion of steroids by ovaries from untreated, or pregnant mare serum gonadotropin (PMSG)-pretreated, immature rats. With ovaries from untreated rats, a low rate of increasing concentration of gonadotropins (luteinizing hormone (LH) plus follicle stimulating hormone (FSH)) induced a maximum secretion of estradiol within 60 min (22.6 +/- 1.4 pg/mg/30 min). An intermediate and a high rate of increasing gonadotropin concentration stimulated maximum secretion (26.0 +/- 1.2 pg/mg/30 min) and 28.1 +/- 2.8 pg/mg/30 min), respectively) within 30 min. Peak secretion, however, was not maintained and was reduced despite continued LH/FSH pulses. Progesterone secretion increased during, and subsequent to, the decreasing estradiol output. Increasing amplitudes of LH/FSH or constant perifusion with LH/FSH did not change the profile, or the concentration of estradiol, but these measures increased progesterone release. An occasional transient increase in estradiol secretion was observed when ovaries from unstimulated rats were perifused with low LH/FSH pulse frequency. Thus, these studies support the hypothesis that in the prepubertal rat ovary, elements of pulse characteristics, such as rate of increasing LH/FSH concentration, and amplitude are important in differentially regulating steroid output. The steroid secretory pattern of ovaries from PMSG-treated prepubertal rats was different from that of untreated rats. With ovaries from PMSG-treated rats, an acute increase in secretion of progesterone, testosterone or estradiol was not observed, whether low or high rates of increasing gonadotropin concentration were used. Rather, the concentration of these steroids continued to rise following LH/FSH pulses. Thus, in contrast to the untreated ovary, the PMSG-treated ovary did not show differential regulation of steroid secretion in response to LH/FSH. In conclusion, we have shown the in vitro perifusion model to be a useful tool for studying the effects of different patterns of hormonal stimulation on ovarian steroidogenesis. In addition, differential effects of gonadotropins on steroid output were shown, depending upon prior maturation of the ovary.

Animals↗
PubMed2001

[Correlations between acne and polycystic ovary. A study of 60 cases].

BACKGROUND: In this paper we correlated the clinical severity of the polycystic ovary with the clinical manifestation of acne. Acne is an inflammatory process of follicle sebaceous unites. Polycystic ovaries (PCOS) are characterized by several subcapsular cystic follicles with an increased production of androgens. Onset of polycystic ovaries in women with acne, ranges from 45 to 84% of cases. METHODS: Sixty patients, aged from 19 to 28 years, with acne and polycystic ovaries were enrolled. The clinical severity of acne was appraised by millimetric macrophotography. This technique evaluated subsequent phases of acne like comedo, papules or pustules, nodular or scarring lesions. Polycystic ovaries were studied by ultrasound and hormonal assay. Sonora Logic 500 MD, by GE Echography, with 3.5 MHz convex probe, were employed. US examination was performed, in each patient, on day 6th, 10th, 15th and 22th of the menstrual cycle. The following US parameters were considered: dimension of the ovaries, thickness of albuginea and number of cysts. Serum levels of FSH, LH, 17-b-estradiol, progesterone, DHEA-S, testosterone and LH/FSH ratio were determined. Furthermore, the presence of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) was evaluated. RESULTS: We found that in PCOS the increased levels of androgens can cause the onset of acne. Photographic score and ovaries ultrasonography may be useful in the assessment of the clinical association between acne and polycystic ovaries. We observed that the subsequent phases of acne were correlated with the clinical severity of polycystic ovaries and to the presence of Premenstrual Syndrome in 93% of the cases (56 of 60 patients). CONCLUSIONS: US images, compared with visual score, established the clinical association between acne and PCOS in three phases with a progressive severity.

Acne Vulgaris↗
PubMed1995

[Morphological evaluation of intercellular junctions in the ovary of chick embryos: action of steroid and gonadotropic hormones in vitro].

Variations of the intercellular junctions of the germ and epithelial cells of the ovarian epithelium produced by gonadotropic and esteroid hormones were determined on ovaries of the chick embryo at 7 days of development. Explants of right and left ovaries were cultured without (control) or with hormones eddition (experimental) for 4 days. Cultures were processed for their ultrastructural study. In both control ovaries the union complexes were similar to those identified in ovo. Under the action of 17 beta-estradiol, an increase and a greater development of adherens junctions was observed in the left ovary; in the right ovary, adherens junctions diminished by action of 17 beta-estradiol. The response of the left ovary to progesterone and testosterone was similar to that seen with the estrogen. No changes were observed in the right gonad. A disminution of intercellular junctions was produced in both ovaries under the action of FSH. The changes produced by LH and hCG were similar to those find in the left ovary with the estrogen, consisting of an increase of the union complexes, mainly of the adherens type. These results indicate that steroid and gonadotropic hormones act by modifying intercellular junctions and would participate in the processes of growth and atrophy that occur in the ovaries of the chick embryo.

Animals↗
PubMed1997

Differential responsiveness of murine T lymphomas to local growth and invasion factors may determine metastasis formation in the ovaries.

The murine T cell hybridomas BW-14 and BW-19, both derived from a fusion between the nonmetastatic BW 5147 lymphoma and a cytotoxic T cell line, differ in their capacity to metastasize to the ovaries. While ovary colonization by BW-19 cells is marginal and limited to the ovary follicles, BW-14 cells extensively colonize the complete ovary. The present study shows that the two T cell hybridomas respond differentially to ovary-derived migration and growth-modulating factors, in a way that correlates with their differential capacity to metastasize to the ovaries. More specifically, we observed that conditioned medium from cultured ovary fragments or from the ovary-derived granulosa cell line GRMO1V inhibited the migration of BW-19 cells in vitro, but stimulated the migration of BW-14 cells. Likewise, the local hormone prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and the steroid hormone progesterone, both known to be secreted by GRMO1V cells, stimulated the migration of BW-14 cells, indicating that the stimulatory effect of the conditioned medium can be at least partially ascribed to the action of these two hormones. In contrast, the migration of BW-19 cells was inhibited by PGE2. In addition to the modulatory effect on hybridoma cell migration, conditioned medium from the granulosa cell line GRMO1V inhibited the proliferation of BW-19 cells in vitro, an effect that is likely to be mediated at least partially by PGE2. The proliferation of BW-14 cells, on the other hand was, depending on the dilution used, stimulated or inhibited by GRMO1V-conditioned medium. Our findings indicate that the differential capacity of the T cell hybridomas BW-14 and BW-19 to metastasize to the ovaries is mediated by the differential action of granulosa-cell-derived factors, in particular the sex hormone progesterone and the local hormone PGE2, on both the migration and proliferation of the T cell hybridomas.

Animals↗
PubMed1983

Prostaglandin levels in preovulatory follicles from rabbit ovaries perfused in vitro.

Prostaglandin (PG) levels in follicular fluid from preovulatory follicles of rabbit ovaries perfused in vitro were measured in order to compare PG changes in this model system with those that occur in vivo and in isolated, LH-treated follicles in vitro. One ovary from each rabbit was perfused without further treatment (control). The other ovary was exposed to LH (0.1 or 1 microgram/ml) beginning 1 hour (h) after initiation of perfusion. Samples of perfusion medium were taken at frequent intervals for measurement of PGE, PGF, progesterone and estradiol 17 beta. The perfusions were terminated when the first ovulation occurred or appeared imminent as judged by changes in the size and shape of the follicles. Follicular fluid was then rapidly aspirated from all large follicles on both ovaries for PGE and PGF measurement. Ovulations occurred only in the LH-treated ovaries. Progesterone and estradiol levels were significantly elevated in the perfusion medium within 1 h of LH treatment in comparison to controls. PG levels in perfusion medium from the control and LH-treated ovaries were not different throughout perfusion and increased in both groups. In contrast, PG levels measured in follicular fluid from LH-treated ovaries were 4- to 5-fold greater than in fluid from control ovaries. It is concluded that ovulation induced by LH in this experimental model is accompanied by an increase in follicular PG levels similar to that seen in other in vivo and in vitro models. This difference in follicular PG levels between the LH-treated and control ovaries is, however, not reflected in the perfusion medium.

Animals↗
PubMed2006

Quantification of healthy follicles in the neonatal and adult mouse ovary: evidence for maintenance of primordial follicle supply.

Proliferation and partial meiotic maturation of germ cells in fetal ovaries is believed to establish a finite, non-renewable pool of primordial follicles at birth. The supply of primordial follicles in postnatal life should be depleted during folliculogenesis, either undergoing atresia or surviving to ovulation. Recent studies of mouse ovaries propose that intra- and extraovarian germline stem cells replenish oocytes and form new primordial follicles. We quantified all healthy follicles in C57BL/6 mouse ovaries from day 1 to 200 using unbiased stereological methods, immunolabelling of oocyte meiosis (germ cell nuclear antigen (GCNA)) and ovarian cell proliferation (proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA)) and electronmicroscopy. Day 1 ovaries contained 7924+/-1564 (s.e.m.) oocytes or primordial follicles, declining on day 7 to 1987+/-203, with 200-800 oocytes ejected from individual ovaries on that day and day 12. Discarded oocytes and those subjacent to the surface epithelium were GCNA-positive indicating their incomplete meiotic maturation. From day 7 to 100 mean numbers of primordial follicles per ovary were not significantly depleted but declined at 200 days to 254+/-71. Mean numbers of all healthy follicles per ovary were not significantly different from day 7 to 100 (range 2332+/-349-3007+/-322). Primordial follicle oocytes were PCNA-negative. Occasional unidentified cells were PCNA-positive with mitotic figures observed in the cortex of day 1 and 12 ovaries. Although we found no evidence for ovarian germline stem cells, our data support the hypothesis of postnatal follicle renewal in postnatal and adult ovaries of C57BL/6 mice.

Animals↗
PubMed1999

Identification of cAMP-dependent protein kinase holoenzymes in preantral- and preovulatory-follicle-enriched ovaries, and their association with A-kinase-anchoring proteins.

Undifferentiated cells from preantral (PA) follicles respond to high levels of cAMP in a different manner than do differentiated cells from preovulatory (PO) follicles. We hypothesized that this differential response of PA and PO cells to cAMP could be due, in part, to either a difference in the profile of isoforms that comprise the cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA) holoenzymes and/or a difference in the interaction of PKA with A-kinase-anchoring proteins (AKAPs). To test these hypotheses, PKA activity, PKA holoenzymes, PKA subunits and AKAPs from PA and PO ovaries were compared. Soluble PKA holoenzymes and regulatory (R) subunits were separated by DEAE-cellulose chromatography and sucrose-density-gradient centrifugation. PKA R subunits were distinguished by photoaffinity labelling, autophosphorylation, size, isoelectric point and immunoreactivity. AKAPs were identified by RII subunit overlay assays and immunoreactivity. The results showed that extracts from PA and PO ovaries exhibited equivalent PKA holoenzyme profiles and activities, characterized by low levels of PKA type I (PKAI) holoenzyme and two distinct PKAII holoenzyme peaks, one containing only RIIbeta subunits (PKAIIbeta) and one containing both PKAIIbeta and PKAIIalpha holoenzymes. Both PA and PO ovarian extracts also contained PKA catalytic (C)-subunit-free RIalpha, while only PO ovaries exhibited C-subunit-free RIIbeta. Consistent with the elevated levels of C-subunit-free RIIbeta in PO cells, PKA activation in PO cells required higher concentrations of forskolin than that in PA cells. While extracts of PA and PO ovaries exhibited a number of similar AKAPs, including four prominent ones reactive with anti-AKAP-KL antisera (where AKAP-KL is an AKAP especially abundant in kidney and liver), cAMP-agarose affinity chromatography revealed two major differences in AKAP binding to purified R subunits. PO ovaries contained increased levels of AKAP80 (AKAP of 80 kDa) bound selectively to R subunits in DEAE-cellulose peak 2 (comprising PKAIIbeta and RIalpha), but not to R subunits in DEAE-cellulose peak 3 (comprising PKAIIalpha, PKAIIbeta and RIIbeta). PO ovaries also showed increased binding of R subunits to AKAPs reactive with anti-AKAP-KL antisera at 210, 175, 150 and 115 kDa. Thus in PO ovaries, unlike in PA ovaries, the majority of AKAPs are bound to R subunits. These results suggest that altered PKA-AKAP interactions may contribute to the distinct responses of PA and PO follicles to high levels of cAMP, and that higher cAMP levels are required to activate PKA in PO ovaries.

Animals↗
PubMed2002

[Subcellular aspects of interstitial cell innervation in chick embryo ovary cultured with LH or hCG].

UNLABELLED: Several authors have shown the effect of LH or hCG gonadotrophins on steroid secretion in the chick embryo ovary. However, the effects of luteinising hormone or human chorionic gonadotropin on chick embryo ovary innervation have not been studied. The purpose of the present work was to study the subcellular aspects of interstitial cells innervation in chick embryo ovaries cultured with LH or hCG. Coob's White Rock female chick embryos at 7, 11, 15 and 19 days of incubation (in ovo) were employed. Explants of the left and right ovaries were cultured separately for 4 days in: 1--Basic medium (control): minimum essential medium (MEM-GIBCO) with 10% bovine fetal serum, 2--Basic medium with added LH or hCG (problems). The cultures were processed to be studied ultrastructurally (TEM). Left and right ovary explants were fixed two hours at room temperature in Karnovsky's fixative. The tissues were then post-fixed in osmium tetroxide in 0.1 M cacodylate buffer for one hour and after a rinse in buffer were dehydrated in acetone: afterwards they were embedded in Araldite resin. Thick sections stained with 1% Toluidine blue were examined and photographed using a Zeiss Photo II microscope. Thin sections were stained with uranyl acetate and lead citrate and examined in a Siemens ElmisKop 101 electron microscope. CONTROLS: In both ovaries the isolated interstitial cells and the appearance of nerve fibers and nerve endings were observed in the explants of 11 day cultured during four days and in a similar way at the age of 15 days of in ovo development. PROBLEMS: With LH or hCG nerve fibers and nerve endings were observed both in the right gonad and in the medulla of the left ovary in close contact with the steroid-producing interstitial cells. Ultrastructurally, the interstitial cells are recognized by their typical organoids: SER, Golgi apparatus, mitochondria with tubular crests and abundant lipidic droplets. The innervation of these cells were seen in ovaries at 7 days development, cultured during 4 days. The present state corresponds to that of 11 days development in ovo. The nerve endings had mitochondria, microtubules and small and medium-sized vesicles, some with an electrodense content. These results in vitro suggest that innervation of the ovaries is controlled by an indirect mechanism via the hypothalamic-pituitary system and another local with production neurotrophic factors modulated by LH.

Animals↗
PubMed2003

Effect of pituitary down-regulation on the ovary before in vitro fertilization as measured using three-dimensional power Doppler ultrasound.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the changes taking place in the ovaries during pituitary down-regulation. DESIGN: Prospective observational study of women undergoing IVF treatment. SETTING: A tertiary referral center for assisted reproduction. PATIENT(S): Forty women who received the long buserelin acetate treatment protocol. Transvaginal three-dimensional power Doppler ultrasound examinations before and after pituitary down-regulation. INTERVENTION(S): Ovarian volume, number of follicles, vascularization index (VI), flow index (FI), vascularization flow index (VFI), and mean gray value (MG). RESULT(S): Before the pituitary down-regulation, the dominant ovary was larger in volume and had a lower MG than the nondominant ovary. After the down-regulation, there was a significant decrease in the volume and number of follicles and an increase in MG. After pituitary down-regulation, the dominant and nondominant ovaries did not differ from each other in any of the parameters. Polycystic ovaries were larger than normal ones before and after the down-regulation, without any differences in MG, VI, FI, or VFI. Right and left ovaries did not differ from each other after the down-regulation. CONCLUSION(S): The differences observed between dominant and nondominant ovaries seem to disappear after pituitary down-regulation. In addition, polycystic ovaries were always larger than the normal ones, but no differences could be detected in the stromal brightness or vascularity either before or after the administration of GnRH agonist therapy.

Buserelin↗
PubMed1998

Serum vascular endothelial growth factor concentrations and ovarian stromal blood flow are increased in women with polycystic ovaries.

The aim of this study was to determine basal serum vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) concentrations and Doppler blood flow changes within the ovarian stroma of women with polycystic ovaries (PCO) and women with normal ovaries. Pulsed and colour Doppler blood flows within the ovarian stroma were recorded, and serum VEGF concentrations measured, in the early follicular phase (days 2-3 of a menstrual cycle) in 60 women undergoing ovarian stimulation for in-vitro fertilization. 36 women had normal ovaries, 14 women had PCO as seen on pelvic ultrasound examination and 10 had polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). Mean+/-SD serum VEGF concentrations were significantly higher (P < 0.001) in women with PCO and PCOS (3.4+/-0.7 and 3.2+/-0.66 ng/ml respectively) compared with women with normal ovaries (2.3+/-0.5 ng/ml). Mean peak systolic blood flow velocity (PSV) and time-averaged maximum flow velocity (TAMXV) were significantly higher (P < 0.001) in women with PCO and PCOS compared with women with normal ovaries. The mean PSV were 15+/-4 and 16+/-4 cm/s in women with PCO and PCOS respectively, compared with 9+/-2 cm/s in women with normal ovaries. The TAMXV were 9+/-3 and 11+/-3 cm/s in women with PCO and PCOS respectively compared with women with normal ovaries (5.8+/-1.5 cm/s). Serum VEGF concentrations were positively correlated with PSV (r=0.44, P=0.001) and TAMXV (r=0.45, P < 0.000) in all three groups of women. Higher serum concentrations of VEGF in women with PCO and PCOS may relate to the increased vascularity that underlies the increased blood flow demonstrated by Doppler blood flow velocity measurements in these women. The results may explain the higher risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome in programmes of ovarian stimulation in patients with PCO compared with those with normal ovaries.

Adult↗
PubMed1999

Ovarian stromal echogenicity in women with normal and polycystic ovaries.

Since the widespread use of transvaginal ultrasound to diagnose polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a cardinal feature has been shown to be the presence of a bright, highly echogenic stroma. This is usually assessed subjectively. The objective of this study was to determine whether ovarian stromal echogenicity when measured objectively actually differed between women with polycystic ovaries and those with normal ovaries. A total of 67 women underwent a detailed ultrasound assessment before considering assisted conception treatment. Ovarian morphology was assessed and total ovarian volume, stromal volume, peak stromal blood flow velocity and mean stromal echogenicity were measured. The stromal index (ratio of mean stromal echogenicity to mean echogenicity of the entire ovary) and total stromal echogenicity were also calculated. Ovarian volume, stromal volume, and stromal peak blood flow velocity were all significantly higher in ovaries from women with PCOS. There was no difference in the mean stromal echogenicity, although the stromal index was significantly greater in women with polycystic ovaries. The apparent subjective increase in stromal echogenicity in women with polycystic ovaries, as exemplified by the greater stromal index, is due to a combination of the increased volume of ovarian stroma and the significantly lower mean echogenicity of the entire ovary in these women.

Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate↗
PubMed2004

Differences in connective tissue gene expression between normally functioning, polycystic and post-menopausal ovaries.

Arrested follicular maturation is a characteristic feature of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Follicles mature in ovarian stroma composed of extracellular matrix (ECM). However, little is known of the expression of ECM genes in polycystic ovaries. The present study compares the expression levels of genes coding for collagens, matrix metalloproteinases (MMP), their inhibitors (TIMP) and cathepsins in polycystic ovaries using fertile and post-menopausal ovaries as controls. In northern analyses, the gene expression profiles of type I and III collagen of PCOS samples resembled those observed in normal follicular phase ovaries, while mRNA levels of proalpha1(IV) collagen and TIMP-3 mRNA were significantly lower in polycystic than control ovaries. During the normal menstrual cycle, an increase was observed in MMP-9 gene expression during the luteal phase. In post-menopausal ovaries, mRNA levels for type I, III and IV collagens and osteonectin were reduced, while the MMP, TIMP (excluding TIMP-3) and cathepsins did not reflect this metabolic down-regulation. Immunohistochemical staining for MMP-9 and TIMP-4 suggested differences between polycystic and normally functioning ovaries. These data demonstrate that normal ovarian functions are associated with changes in production and degradation of ECM. The alterations observed in the production and/or distribution of type IV collagen, TIMP-3 and TIMP-4 suggest involvement of basement membranes in the pathogenesis of PCOS.

Connective Tissue↗
PubMed1995

Production of transforming growth factor-alpha by normal and polycystic ovaries.

The mechanism of anovulation in polycystic ovary (PCO) syndrome remains unknown. As circulating concentrations of FSH are apparently normal, and in vivo, granulosa cells from anovulatory PCO are hyperresponsive to FSH, it has been suggested that the lack of follicular development in anovulatory PCO is caused by overexpression of a paracrine growth factor that inhibits steroidogenesis. Epidermal growth factor and the structurally homologous transforming growth factor-alpha (TGF alpha) are suitable candidates for this role, but although the production of the latter has been demonstrated in the ovary, no comparison has been performed between the levels in normal ovaries and PCO. We compared the levels of TGF alpha in follicular fluid and in granulosa cell- and theca- and stroma-conditioned media from normal ovaries and PCO. TGF alpha was present in the range of 0.2-200 ng/mL in follicular fluid. There was a significant inverse correlation of TGF alpha with follicle size, with no differences between follicles from normal ovaries and PCO. Granulosa cell-conditioned medium contained concentrations of TGF alpha ranging from 0.1-200 ng/1000 cells. There was a wide range of concentrations in theca- and stroma-conditioned media, with levels varying from 0.2-100 ng/mg tissue and no consistent effect of LH. There were no significant differences between the levels from normal ovaries or PCO in medium conditioned by any compartment of the ovary. We conclude that the failure of folliculogenesis in PCO syndrome is not likely to be due to overproduction of TGF alpha by the ovary.

Anovulation↗
PubMed1985

Ovarian steroid production in a woman with polycystic ovary syndrome associated with endometrial cancer.

A young woman with typical polycystic ovary syndrome (PCO) underwent laparotomy for moderately differentiated endometrial cancer. Specimens from the hyperplastic thecal and stromal tissue of the ovaries were incubated for 2 hours in the presence or absence of hCG, 100 IU/ml. Following incubation the tissue content of cyclic AMP and the amounts of progesterone (P), androstenedione (A), testosterone (T) and estradiol-17 beta (E2) in the incubation medium were analysed. For comparison, thecal cells from normal ovaries of regularly menstruating women were incubated under identical conditions. In vivo, the PCO ovaries secreted several-fold greater amounts of T than normal ovaries. In vitro, the thecal cells were much more active, steroidogenically, than the stromal cells of the PCO ovary. Furthermore, the hyperplastic thecal cells of the PCO ovary produced several-fold greater amounts of androgens, and appeared more sensitive to stimulation with hCG, as compared with thecal cells from normal ovaries. The results indicate that in women with PCO associated with endometrial cancer the hyperplastic thecal cells are a significant site of abnormal androgen production and abnormal sensitivity to gonadotropin.

Adenocarcinoma↗
PubMed2000

Polycystic ovary syndrome: a new ultrasonographic and color Doppler pattern.

The aim of this study was to evaluate whether patients with partial bilateral polycystic ovaries show different ovarian and uterine blood flow to those with complete bilateral polycystic ovaries, and to investigate whether there is a correlation between ultrasonographic and hormonal parameters. Fifteen patients with partial polycystic ovaries and eighteen patients with complete bilateral polycystic ovaries underwent clinical, biochemical, gray-scale and color Doppler ultrasonographic evaluation. Hormonal (luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), LH/FSH concentration ratio, estradiol, prolactin, androstenedione, testosterone), clinical (body mass index, Ferriman-Gallwey score), ultrasonographic (ovarian volume, number and distribution of subcapsular follicles, stromal score) and Doppler (uterine artery and intraparenchymal vessels pulsatility index, ovarian stromal vascularization) parameters were evaluated, in the early follicular phase (cycle day 3-5) in oligomenorrheic patients, or at random in amenorrheic patients. Significantly higher androstenedione plasma levels and LH/FSH concentration ratios were observed in complete bilateral polycystic ovaries. In partial polycystic ovaries, gray-scale and color Doppler ultrasonography showed different features in affected and unaffected areas of the ovary, similar to polycystic and normal ovary appearance respectively. In conclusion, PCOS does not predetermine a single ultrasonographic or Doppler pattern.

Adult↗
PubMed1993

Effect of 17 beta-estradiol on somatic and germ cell subpopulations in the ovary of the newly hatched chick.

The involvement of estrogens in avian ovary differentiation and morphogenesis has been previously demonstrated by several authors. The aim of the present study is to provide evidence regarding which cell subpopulations of the ovary are target cells for 17 beta-estradiol during chick development. White Leghorn chick embryos received 200 ng of the hormone or the vehicle on the chorioallantoic membrane at 11, 13, and 15 days of incubation. Within 24 hr after hatching, the left ovary was processed for total cell count, study of the meiotic prophase of oocytes, and the morphometric evaluation of the cortical and the medullary regions of the ovary. Germ cell number was not modified by the treatment. Similarly, no changes were observed in the stage of the prophase and the cellular area of oocytes. The total number of somatic cells was increased in the newly hatched chick ovary treated with 17 beta-estradiol. The number of undifferentiated cells in the juxtacortical medulla was higher in the treated ovary than in the control group. Moreover, the pregranulosa cells of the cortical region were hypertrophied in the 17 beta-estradiol treated ovary. However, no changes were observed in the typical steroidogenic cells after the estrogen treatment. In conclusion, two subpopulations of somatic cells are estrogen target cells in the prefollicular chicken ovary: the pregranulosa cells of the ovarian cortex and the undifferentiated cells in the juxtacortical medulla.

Allantoin↗
PubMed2003

A comparison of the ovarian response to external stimulation between women with right or left ovary participating in programs of ICSI/ET.

INTRODUCTION: Single ovary women compose a group of special interest in assisted reproduction technologies. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether the response to external stimulation and the outcome in women with a single ovary was affected by the location of the ovary. METHODS: Sixty cycles from 24 women, which stimulated with either hMG or rFSH and a GnRH agonist, were retrospectively studied. Twelve women had right and 12 had left ovary. In all cases, the fertilization was performed by intracytoplasmic sperm injection. RESULTS: There was not found any statistical significant difference between the two groups regarding the days of stimulation, the peak estradiol levels, the number of aspirated follicles, the number of retrieved oocytes, the fertilization rate and the number of transferred embryos. The cumulative embryo score (CES) was also similar in both groups. Six pregnancies in the group of the right ovary and seven in the group of left ovary were achieved. CONCLUSION: According to these results, right and left ovary, in single ovary women under external stimulation, are equally active and potent for reproduction.

Adult↗
PubMed2005

The telotrophic ovary known from Neuropterida exists also in the myxophagan beetle Hydroscapha natans.

The ovary structure of the myxophagan beetle, Hycdoscapha natans, was investigated by means of light and electron microscopy for the first time. Each of the two ovaries consists of three ovarioles, the functional units of insect oogenesis. The ovary type is telotrophic meroistic but differs strongly from the telotrophic ovary found among all polyphagous beetles investigated so far. All characters found here are typical of telotrophic ovaries of Sialidae and Raphidioptera. Both taxa belong to the Neuropterida. As in all telotrophic ovaries, all nurse cells are combined in an anterior chamber, the tropharium. The tropharium houses two subsets of germ cells: numerous nurse cell nuclei are combined in a central syncytium without any cell membranes in between, surrounded by a monolayer of single-germ cells, the tapetum cells. Each tapetum cell is connected to the central syncytium via an intercellular bridge. Tapetum cells of the posterior zone, which sufficiently contact prefollicular cells, are able to grow into the vitellarium and develop as oocytes. During previtellogenic and early vitellogenic growth, oocytes remain connected with the central syncytium of the tropharium via their anterior elongations, the nutritive cords. The morphological data are discussed in the light of those derived from ovaries of other Coleoptera and from the proposed sister group, the Neuropterida. The data strongly support a sister group relationship between Coleoptera and Neuropterida. Furthermore, several switches between polytrophic and telotrophic ovaries must have occurred during the radiation of ancient insect taxa.

Animals↗