Growth and Endocrine Function of Isolated Ovarian Follicles Cultivated in Vivo1

Abstract

Ovarian follicles isolated by enzymatic dispersal of mouse ovaries were cultivated in 2 in vivo systems. Dispersed tissues from 2 ovaries were placed into either sterile gelfoam sponges or sterile millipore filter diffusion chambers and implanted subcutaneously into previously ovariectomized mice of the same strain from which ovaries had been taken. This was done to test the ability of dispersed ovarian tissue to include vaginal opening and estrous cycle activity when cultivated in vivo. In order to note the growth and endocrine activity of isolated ovarian follicles single intact follicles were removed from the despersals by means of a micropipette under a dissecting microscope. The follicles were than cultivated individually as intraocular transplants/y On observation it was discovered that when cultured as conglomerates the isolated follicles induced vaginal opening and estrous cycle activity in 28 ovariectomized animals. Cultured singly the follicles were capable of growth and estrogen secretion in 5 animals of a group of 23 when the sole ovarian structure in the culture. When the single follicle was cultured in the presence of free cells obtained from the dispersal the number showing both growth and estrogem secretion rose to 23 in a group of 29. These data indicate that follicles obtained by enzymatic dispersal are endocrinologically competent and may be a useful experimental tool.