Abstract
The relative level of blood flow through thecal capillaries (RTF) in individual atretic and non-atretic follicles greater than 1 mm was measured in conscious ewes by injecting 15 micron radioactive microspheres into the aorta near the origin of the ovarian artery, and determining the ratio of radioactivity per mg protein in theca of individual follicles to that in the non-luteal portion (stroma plus follicles less than 1 mm diameter) of the corresponding ovary. In follicles greater than 1 mm diameter, RTF in those showing advanced stages of atresia (stages IV and V) was significantly less than that in non-atretic (stage I) follicles. RTF values in non-atretic (stage I), early atretic (stage II) and moderately atretic (stage III) follicles did not differ significantly. There was no effect of follicular diameter (P greater than 0.05) on the relative level of blood flow within individual thecae or of atresia on thecal protein content. These data indicate that reduced thecal blood flow is associated with advanced atresia of antral follicles and are in accordance with the findings of previous histological studies. Whether thecal ischaemia is a factor involved in the onset of atresia, or occurs as a consequence of the degenerative process, remains uncertain.
Published Version
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