BY F. P. SANDES. 393 



constantly found close to the connective tissue ingrowths from 

 the theca into the cavity of the rudiment of the corpus luteum, 

 and near sources of good blood supply. Also, in the many 

 hundred of sections of corpora lutea examined at all stages of 

 their formation, there has not been seen in one single instance 

 any sign of atrophy of the former cells of the membrana granulosa, 

 no chromatolysis, no fatty degeneration nor other degenerative 

 phenomenon. On the other hand, there is, as described previously, 

 a vigorous and rapid hypertrophy of the membrana granulosa 

 cells; and this, too, in an animal whose theca interna is absolutely 

 unimportant, and limits itself to supplying vascular connective 

 tissue to the corpus luteum. 



Finall}^, though many authors agree as to the persistence of the 

 membrana granulosa cells, there are differences of opinion as to 

 their subsequent life-history. The disputed point is, whether the 

 cells increase by a pure hypertrophy, or whether they actually 

 multiply. Some authors describe karyokinetic figures as occurring 

 rarely, or frequently, in the nuclei. These are : — van der Stricht 

 in the bat; Belloy in the rat and the guinea pig; Stratz in Tupaja, 

 Sorex and Tarsius; Bouin in the rat and guinea pig, and Kreis in 

 man. On the other hand : — van Beneden in bats, Honore in the 

 rabbit, and Sobotta in the mouse and rabbit, deny that there is 

 any karyokinesis in the cell nuclei. In Dasyurus, after a pro- 

 longed search, there has been found no karyokinesis. The nucleus 

 seems to participate with the cell in its hypertrophy. Sometimes 

 to all appearances one cell has two or even three nuclei. Possibly 

 amitotic division of cells may occur, but this has also been sought 

 for and not found. 



Lately, some authors have concerned themsehes with the 

 structure of the individual cells. Regaud and Policard maintain 

 that, with special staining, there can be demonstrated in the 

 cells of the corpus luteum of the hedgehog droplets of a substance 

 which may be supposed to be a cellular secretion, and this 

 observation fits in with Prenant's hypothesis of the glandular 

 nature of the corpus luteum. 



