[Histochemical evaluation of postnatal development of the rat ovary]

Many morphological studies were carried on the ovarian development and only few on histochemistry of this process. Our previous experiments showed, there was a critical period for developing ovary between 20-49 days of life. We decided to clear what kind of biosynthesis was playing essential role during this period and what functions had each structure of the ovary. The qualitative studies of following enzymes: succinic, isocitric lactate, glucoso-6-phosphate, 3-beta and 17-beta- hydroksysteroid dehydrogenases were done. Proteins, nucleic acids and lipids were also examined. In general, total activity of tested enzymes didn't varied much, but great differences between activity of ovarian elements were observed. The interstitial gland was much more active than any other structure, mainly the enzymatic activity connected with biosynthesis of gestagens and androgens was noted. Theca was also very active but less than interstitial gland, besides it seemed to have no possibility to synthetise androgens because of 17-beta- hydroksysteroid dehydrogenase absence.