Comparative morphometry and steroidogenic function of antral ovine follicles destined for ovulation or atresia.

An experimental model was established in the ewe allowing one to predict with accuracy an antral follicle that coincidentally would either undergo ovulation (6-8 mm diameter) or atresia (3-4 mm diameter) following synchronization of luteal regression and the onset of the gonadotropin surge. Quantitative morphometric and hormonal criteria were used to make direct comparisons of such follicles collected throughout the preovulatory period. There were progressive alterations in percentages of granulosa cells exhibiting pyknotic nuclei, dispersion of granulosa cells, oocyte maturation, thecal vascular dynamics and extravasation of leukocytes. Nevertheless, no significant variations in temporal patterns were observed between follicular classification. The most notable anatomical distinction between preovulatory and atretogenic follicles was that the former had come into closer contact with the ovarian surface epithelium. The dominant follicle had a higher capacity than the subordinate follicle to produce estradiol before the gonadotropin surge; however, ensuing profiles of steroidogenic function (i.e., shift from the delta 5 to delta 4 pathway) occurred in parallel. Thus, in many respects the follicular mechanics of ovulation and atresia in the sheep appear analogous.