Light microscopic, enzyme biochemical and steroid analytical investigations of follicular atresia in the ovary of domestic goose.

Follicular atresia in the ovary of the domestic goose was investigated by light microscopic, steroid RIA and lysosomal enzyme activity measuring methods during the spring reproduction cycle. Degenerative processes are associated with the transformation and proliferation of granulosa, internal and external thecal cells in the follicle. Seven types of atretic follicles were identified on the basis of the presence, absence or dominance of cells containing lipids and synthesizing steroids. Conclusive evidence for the relation between cell type and hormone content was found only in one type: in type 6, stromal glandular cells show an extremely intensive PROG synthesizing activity. In the other types it was shown that glandular type of cells which become proliferative during atresia possess a relatively uniform steroid synthesizing ability. This uniformity is also seen in the high activity of lysosomal enzymes regardless of the size and type of atretic follicles.