Histochemical observations on the interstitial gland cells of amphibian ovary.

Abstract

A histochemical study has been made of the ovarian interstitial gland tissue of toad (Bufo stomaticus) and frog (Rana pipiens). The interstitial gland cells are formed by the hypertrophy of thecal elements in the wall of large degenerating (atretic) previtellogenic follicles. They are distributed in groups or patches in the nodules of the ovarian stroma. During winter, the cytoplasm of the interstitial gland cells is filled with lipid droplets which consist of cholesterol and/or its ester, triglycerides, and some phospholipids. Discharge of cholesterol-positive lipids from the ovarian interstitial gland cells occurs during summer. In their origin and histochemistry, the interstitial gland cells of the amphibian ovary closely resemble the corresponding cells in the ovaries of other vertebrates, including mammals.