Journal of Endocrinology and Reproduction

M. S. Sastry ¹, S. B. Pillai ¹, D. Tembhare ¹

Affiliations
1 Department of Zoology, RTM Nagpur University, Nagpur-44003, IN

Abstract

A study of ovaries during a complete reproductive cycle in mature females of Hipposideros speoris showed the presence of thecal type interstitial gland tissue during the late-recrudescence and breeding phases. Luteal-like transformation of fibroblasts of theca of multilaminar atretic follicles results in the formation of thecal interstitial gland tissue. This interstitial tissue undergoes a variety of cellular alterations till its complete differentiation. After persisting for a short while in the wall of degenerating follicles it reverts back as stromal cells and thus is very transient. Cyclical variations in the histochemical localization of lipids, 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3β-HSDH), 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (17β-HSDH), succinic dehydrogenase (SDH) and Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G-6-PDH) were observed. The histochemical shift in the enzyme activities and substrates during the reproductive cycle, corresponding to changes in the metabolic requirements as well as steroidogenesis suggests role for this tissue in ovarian physiology.

Keywords

Microchiroptera, Hipposideros, Ovary, Thecal Interstitial Gland.

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M. S. Sastry ¹, S. B. Pillai ¹

Affiliations
1 Department of Zoology, Nagpur University Campus, Nagpur - 440 033, IN

Abstract

The ovaries of Hipposideros speoris were observed throughout the reproductive cycle from July 2001 to 2002. The interstitial cells or so called "epithelial cords" showed variations in their distribution, morphology and association with other ovarian structures. These cords appear to be formed in the ovarian cortex by the transformation of granulosa ceils of primordial follicles and small preantral follicles whose ova regress and disappear. Mostly, these cords were conspicuous, hypertrophied, abundant and in clusters or in zones occupying major portion of the cortex during 4-5 months of gestation and also during lactation period. The accumulation of sudanophilic lipid droplets in these cords suggests their role in steroid biosynthesis, most probably the progestins. An increase in lipid droplets parallels the development of alkaline phosphatase reactivity. The origin and the fate of the cords were not determined but their absence or reduction in number suggests their transformation into stroma during non-pregnancy.

Keywords

Lipid Droplets, Progestins, Reproductive Cycle of Bat, Epithelial Cords.

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