Pre-ovulatory temperature gradients within mammalian ovaries: a review.
The existence of a temperature gradient between the testis and deep body temperature has been accepted for many years. It is based on two simultaneous principles: cooling of the testis through the scrotal wall and transfer of heat between the testicular blood vessels. The ovary is positioned in the abdomen; a temperature difference parallel to the male system therefore seems less likely. However, the temperature of large follicles has been found to be 0.5 to 1.5 degrees C cooler than the ovarian stroma in rabbits, pigs and, probably, women. The temperature difference seems to be based on a heat-consuming process in the expanding follicullar fluid, and a local transfer of heat between intra-ovarian blood vessels. The reason for the temperature gradient is not yet known; one may speculate of a common reason for the cooling of the gamete in male and female.
Department of Clinical Studies--Reproduction, Royal Veterinary and Agricultural University, Frederiksberg C, Denmark.
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Hunter
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Einer-Jensen
D000818:Animals; D001831:Body Temperature / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D015571:Follicular Fluid / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008322:Mammals / Q000502:physiology*; D006080:Ovarian Follicle / Q000502:physiology; D010053:Ovary / Q000502:physiology*; D010060:Ovulation / Q000502:physiology; D013552:Swine / Q000502:physiology