Abstract
Summary
In unilateral ovulating ewes with follicles intact, the follicular fluid weight (FFW) at day 12 of the estrous cycle was greater (p<.05) in the ovary bearing the corpus luteum (CL-O) than in the ovary not bearing the corpus luteum (NCL-O) as averaged over the presence of 1 corpus luteum (1 CL) and more than one corpus luteum (>1 CL). However, when the CL were removed on day 8 of the estrous cycle, the difference in FFW between the CL-O and the NCL-O at day 12 was not significant. When all visible surface follicles were destroyed by cautery the difference between the CL-O and the NCL-O for the FFW and the number of follicles ≥4 mm was greater if the CL was left intact than when removed. The difference in diameter of the largest follicle between the CL-O and the NCL-O was greater in >1 CL than in 1 CL animals. The results of the present study are consistent with the hypothesis that the CL favors follicular development, in part, by means of a local in-traovarian mechanism.
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