Short and long-term effects of X-irradiation on ovarian follicular populations in the ewe.
The effects of X-irradiation on the total number of follicles larger than 50 microns in diameter have been studied 10 and 42 days after treatment (short vs long-term animals). A comparison of short-term and control animals showed a sharp reduction in the healthy-follicle population; only 50 p. 100 of the preantral follicles and 40 p. 100 of the antral follicles survived irradiation. The mitotic index of the antral follicles was also reduced and the between-ovary equilibrium per animal was altered. When compared to short-term animals, long-term ewes did not show follicular compensation similar to that seen after hemicastration. Furthermore, the mitotic index did not increase over the control values. Cyclic ovarian activity was maintained despite this.
D000818:Animals; D004307:Dose-Response Relationship, Radiation; D005260:Female; D006107:Granulosa Cells / Q000166:cytology; D008938:Mitosis; D006080:Ovarian Follicle / Q000166:cytology / Q000502:physiology / Q000528:radiation effects*; D010053:Ovary / Q000528:radiation effects*; D012756:Sheep / Q000502:physiology*; D014965:X-Rays