Ovarian development in control and decapitated pig fetuses.
Ovarian development was studied in control and decapitated pig fetuses. Fetuses were decapitated at 42 days postcoitum. At 51, 61, 74, 90 and 112 days postcoitum decapitated and control females were collected. Ovarian weight gradually increased during development in control animals. Deprivation of pituitary hormones as a result of fetal decapitation did not cause a decline in ovarian weight increase. Germ cell maturation in control and decapitated fetuses proceeded in a similar fashion, with secondary follicles being the most advanced stage. Enzyme histochemical activity was present in the primary interstitial gland cells and in granulosa cells and was similar in normal and decapitated fetuses. Both NADH diaphorase activity and 3 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase activity increased from 51 to 74 days and remained relatively constant thereafter. Since fetal decapitation in the pig hardly influences ovarian development, pituitary dependency of the fetal ovary in the pig is unlikely.
D015096:3-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenases / Q000032:analysis; D000818:Animals; D008058:Dihydrolipoamide Dehydrogenase / Q000032:analysis; D005260:Female; D008540:Meiosis; D009929:Organ Size; D010053:Ovary / Q000196:embryology* / Q000378:metabolism; D010907:Pituitary Hormones / Q000502:physiology; D011247:Pregnancy; D013552:Swine
D010907:Pituitary Hormones; D015096:3-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenases; D008058:Dihydrolipoamide Dehydrogenase