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 after treatment with FSH, LH and estrogen. The relationships between oocyte and follicle, oocyte nucleus and follicle, oocyte nucleus and oocyte have been analysed statistically. The logarithmic transformation of data on these components of the ovary yielded as regression: log y = a+b log x parabolic form in the control,. pregnant, FSH and estrogen treated groups of rats. A linear (y = a+bx) relationship between oocyte and follicles was obtained in the LH-treated ovaries. This study provides a better method of statistical evaluation for follicular growth patterns in normal and hormone treated animals. The results have been discussed in relation to the physiological functions of follicles.