Changes in the ovarian structure and fertility of the rat after various ovarian neurectomies

Abstract

The changes undergone by the ovary 30 days after different unilateral neurectomies were investigated in 45 rats.Fertility modification was observed in a second group of 40 rats that, after the same neurectomies, were placed with a male for a period of 20 days.The only significant change in the ovarian sympathectomized rats was a decrease in the nuclear area of the luteal cells.In the rats with an additional ovariectomy a significant compensatory hypertrophy appeared in the luteal cells.Vagotomy provoked a significant nuclear hypertrophy in the interstitial and luteal cells, as well as in the corpora lutea.In the cases with contralateral ovariectomy this hypertrophy was considerably reduced.Section of the pelvic splanchnic nerve only produced a decrease of the nuclear size in the luteal cells.Subsequent contralateral ovariectomy was followed by an additional atrophy of the luteal cells and corpora lutea.These results indicate that the parasympathetic system, in normal conditions, plays an inhibitory role, while the sympathetic has a light stimulatory effect, principally on the luteal cells.In relation to fertility, 50% of the neurectomized rats, 75% of the control ones and 100% of the neurectomized and contralaterally ovariectomized rats were found pregnant.The average of the embryos implanted in the uterine horn of the neurectomized ovary was significantly smaller than in the control side.On the contrary, in the ovariectomized rats, especially in the case of sympathectomy, the average of the embryos implanted in the uterine horn of the ovariectomized side was significantly higher than in the control animals.