title: Histological and immunohistological aspects of the ovarian cycle of the algerian wild sand rat, Psammomys obesus Cretzschmar, 1828.
abstract: The sand rat, Psammomys obesus, is largely used as a model for studying several metabolic disorders. In order to perform breeding laboratory conditions, the reproductive function of this species was investigated. Using histological and immunohistochemical techniques, several aspects of the ovaries were studied throughout the sexual cycle. During the ovarian cycle, the different stages of folliculogenesis, from primordial to Graafian follicle, have been shown; the differentiation of both granulosa and theca cells, the formation of the antrum, cumulus oophorus and corona radiate were described. Broken follicles and corpora lutea have been observed, confirming a spontaneous ovulation in isolated females. Steroid activities were analysed using immunohistochemical techniques. Estrogen, androgen and progesterone hormones were visualized in the different compartments of the ovary.
authors.affiliation: Universite des Sciences et de la Technologie Houari Boumedicne, Faculte des Sciences Biologiques, Laboratoire de Recherche sur les Zones Arides, Alger, Algerie. Boubekri_a@yahoo.fr
authors.forename: Amina
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Boubekri
authors.forename: Thérese
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Gernigon-Spychalowicz
authors.forename: Farida
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Khammar
authors.forename: Jean-Marie
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Exbrayat
mesh_terms: D000462:Algeria; D000728:Androgens / Q000096:biosynthesis; D000818:Animals; D004967:Estrogens / Q000096:biosynthesis; D030762:Estrous Cycle / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D005849:Gerbillinae / Q000502:physiology*; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D006080:Ovarian Follicle / Q000166:cytology / Q000254:growth & development; D010053:Ovary / Q000166:cytology* / Q000502:physiology* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D011374:Progesterone / Q000096:biosynthesis; D013045:Species Specificity
chemical_list: D000728:Androgens; D004967:Estrogens; D011374:Progesterone