Histoenzymatic activity of the delta 5-3 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase of ovary in hibernators (Citellus citellus L).
The ovaries of 24 ground squirrels (Citellus citellus L) were studied in spring (March, April), summer (July), and winter (December). The animals hibernated in a chamber at a temperature of 6-8 degrees C. The activities of the interstitial gland, theca interna, atretic follicles with theca interna and yellow bodies were measured densitometrically and studied by a specially modified histoenzymatic technique. Measurements showed that the endocrine structures were most active in March and least active in July. The atretic follicles had the highest enzymatic activity in April. The quantitative histoenzymatic approach presents an objective base for morphofunctional studies of organs and tissues at different body temperature levels in hibernators.
Tsvetkov
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Central Problem Laboratory for Cryobiology and Freeze-Drying, Sofia, Bulgaria.
Takeva
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D015096:3-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenases / Q000378:metabolism*; D000818:Animals; D005260:Female; D006605:Hibernation; D006651:Histocytochemistry; D010053:Ovary / Q000166:cytology / Q000201:enzymology*; D012589:Sciuridae; D012621:Seasons
D015096:3-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenases; C031954:delta(5)-3 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase