Atropine and testosterone propionate induced atretic changes in granulosa cells of house rat (Rattus rattus) ovary

Degenerative changes in membrana granulosa of ovaries in R. rattus have been studied using scanning electron microscopy. Ovaries from rats treated with atropine (300 mg/kg body weight) and testosterone propionate (10 IU) were used to study sequential course of atresia in granulosa cells. Granulosa cells undergoing atresia showed degenerative changes in following order i) loosening of intercellular matrix, ii) changed morphology and texture of secretory granules, iii) destabilization of granulosa cell membranes, iv) erosion of cell membrane, v) formation of specific degenerative belts, vi) pycnosis, vii) ghost cell formation and their subsequent mixing in hazzy follicular fluid of cyst. Phenomenon of atresia, its duration, course and underlying causes have been discussed.