216 SoMERS H. Sturgis 



It seems probable, however, that the same time relationships apply both to 

 monkey and human. As yet, we have no clear explanation for this wave of 

 atresia, but before seeking to clarify this point it is worth noting some other 

 aspects of atresia of the ovarian follicle. 



As well as appearing as part of the normal life cycle of follicles in the 

 ovary, there are other situations where abnormal atresia of ovarian follicles 

 occurs. First, this has been noted to occur under instances of excessive and 

 non-physiologic gonadotropin stimulation. Velardo (6) this month has 

 , reported follicle cysts, fragmented ova and degenerating follicles when 

 large amounts of gonadotropins were given to hypophysectomized animals. 

 Parkes has stated (7) that if one ovary is removed and a part of the other, 

 then the remainder under the influence of the whole gonadotropic output 

 responds with multiple cysts and follicular degeneration. Thus, follicles and 

 eggs are rapidly "consumed". Two other situations in the human are also 

 connected with the development of theca luteinization and cystic follicles. 

 First, it is not uncommon in the newborn to see very marked theca luteiniza- 

 tion in an immature cystic and degenerating follicle. A second abnormal 

 situation is that seen in the polycystic ovary syndrome. It is to be noted that 

 amenorrhea or anovulatory flows are characteristic of this clinical condition. 

 The many small cystic follicles show characteristicaUy the marked thickening 

 of the theca interna. It is interesting that although spot checks of assays for 

 LH in these so-called Stein-Leventhal cases have not always shown an 

 elevation of LH, yet in McArthur's careful daily studies (3), a recurrent ebb 

 and sway, up and down production with peaks every few days were docu- 

 mented throughout a month. 



We have previously mentioned that the hypertrophied theca interna looks 

 like endocrine tissue that is generally associated with steroid production. Ten 

 years ago, we suggested (8) that this might be principally estrogens to support 

 the level of these hormones in the circulation at the time of the cycle most 

 important for many aspects of reproductive physiology. At the same time, 

 there is considerable evidence that progesterone may be produced even before 

 ovulation and the formation of the corpus luteum. In 1958 it was shown 

 that human CG caused depletion of the ascorbic acid content of the rat 

 ovary, and Parlow has demonstrated (9) the same effect from purified LH 

 in the gonadotropin-primed, hypophysectomized rat. Using the histochemical 

 staining techniques developed by Deane and others at Harvard, we have been 

 interested to localize the concentrations of ascorbic acid in these ovaries. 

 It is found that this substance is confined almost entirely to the corpora 

 lutea where it is seen as a diff'usely scattered fine, granular deposit. After a 

 dose of LH to these animals, the ovary shows grossly a depletion of from 

 35 to 50%, and the ascorbic acid distribution changes to that of rather 

 massive agglomerates of the granules. This effect is not well understood. 

 Ascorbic acid is found also in interstitial cells of unprimed ovaries, but never 



