FOLLICULAR-GROWTH PATTERNS IN THE HOUSE RAT (RATTUS-RATTUS)

A histomorphometrical study has been made of the ovarian follicles in the house rat (Rattus rattus) during estrous cycle, pregnancy and afte r treatment with FSH, LH and estrogen. The relationships between oocyt e and follicle, oocyte nucleus and follicle, oocyte nucleus and oocyte have been analysed statistically. The logarithmic transformation of d ata on these components of the ovary yielded as regression: log y = ab log x parabolic form in the control,. pregnant, FSH and estrogen tre ated groups of rats. A linear (y = a+bx) relationship between oocyte a nd follicles was obtained in the LH-treated ovaries. This study provid es a better method of statistical evaluation for follicular growth pat terns in normal and hormone treated animals. The results have been dis cussed in relation to the physiological functions of follicles.