Steroid synthesizing cellular sites in the ovary of the domestic pigeon Columba livia (Gmelin): a histochemical study.

The ovary of the domestic pigeon, Columba livia, has been assayed histochemically for the localization of delta 5-3 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (delta 5-3 beta-HSDH), 17 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (17 beta-HSDA), 11 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (11 beta-HSDH), glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6P-DH) and NADH-diaphorase activities during different periods of the reproductive cycle. delta 5-3 beta-HSDH, 17 beta-HSDH, 11 beta-HSDH, G6P-DH and NADH-diaphorase activity was found in the theca interna of growing, atretic and postovulatory follicles, the granulosa of ovulatory, atretic and postovulatory follicles, and interstitial gland cells during the pre-incubation and the laying periods. During the incubation and squab feeding periods only delta 5-3 beta-HSDH, G6P-DH and NADH-diaphorase activities were observed in the above mentioned cells. The steroidogenic potential of atretic follicles depends upon the type of atresia a follicle undergoes.