Exposure Of Female Rats Research Articles

Scanning Electron Microscopy of the Polycystic Ovary in Constant Light Rats

Exposure of female rats to continuous light eventually induces persistent estrus (PE), a syndrome which in many respects resembles the human polycystic ovary syndrome. Light microscopic studies on the polycystic ovaries of constant light PE rats have been previously reported. In the present study, we have utilized scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to provide information regarding three-dimensional changes occurring on the surface of the polycystic ovary.Following exposure to continuous light for 50 days, PE was induced in a group of Sprague-Dawley female rats according to the procedure described elsewhere (2). Polycystic ovaries from constant light PE rats and ovaries from controls were fixed in 2.5% glutaraldehyde in 0.1M Na cacodylate buffer, pH 7.3 at room temperature for 24 hours. They were then cut into two equal halves along their long axis and fixed for an additional 3-4 hours. The specimens were processed for SEM studies by a modified OTOTO technique, dehydrated and critical point dried with CO2.