Abstract
The site of steroidgenesis in the mammalian ovary has been attributed to granulosa cells in follicles and internal thecal cells in the periphery of follicles. However, physiologically distinct estrogen or androgen has been detected in fetal ovary and sexually immature ovary, as well as post menopausal woman's ovary. More than a few reports have described the interstitial cells as another site of steroidgenesis. Electronmicrographs of interstitial cells so far published indicate only lipid droplets as the source of steroid hormones. Utilizing the super-wide grid method, we were able to observe the whole cross section of murine ovary at low and high magnifications by use of an electron microscope. Numerous osmiophilic granules were distributed in interstitial tissue. These granules were subdivided into at least four types based on their size and density. Only one type was localized in a given interstitial cell. Therefore, different types of granule may contain different substances and not all granules are a variety of lipid droplet. The immunocytochemistry of susbtances in each type of granule remains to be investigated.
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