THE INTERSTITIAL CELLS OF THE MAMMALIAN 

 OVARY: FELIS DOMESTICA 



B. F. KINGSBURY 



DeparimenL of Histology and Embryology, Cornell University 



SIXTEEX FIGURES 



It is a rather striking fact that while the occurrence of rela- 

 tively large epitheloid cells, with clear vesicular nucleus, which 

 are generally termed 'interstitial cells' has been known for a 

 number of years to exist in the ovaries of the common mam- 

 mals including man, they generally receive but scant mention in 

 text-books of anatomy and histology. Herein accounts of the 

 structure of the ovary usually contrast with those of the male 

 reproductive organ, the testis, the interstitial cells of which are 

 practically always fully described. On the other hand, contrast- 

 ing with this conservative attitude we have the tendency on the 

 part of many recent writers to see in these cells formers of an 

 ovarian 'internal secretion,' even designating them as the 'in- 

 ternal gland' of the ovary. Yet, on the physiological as on the 

 morphological side there is evident the same contrast between 

 the definiteness of statement as to the interstitial cells of the 

 testis and the vague and uncertain attitude as to the basis of 

 the 'internal secretion' of the ovary. ^ 



^ In recent works summing up results upon the "Organs of internal secretion," 

 this contrast is revealed. Biedl ('10) concludes that the evidence strongl}' sup- 

 ports the secretory character of the interstitial cells of the testis, while stating 

 that it is as yet inconclusive for the interstitial cells of the ovary. Swale Vincent 

 ('12) quotes conclusions su])porting the importance of the interstitial cells of 

 the testis; he but incidentally mentions the interstitial cells of the ovary. Gush- 

 ing ('12) says (p. 276): "In the testis there are two factors to be considered, 

 the interstitial cells and the cells of Sertoli or spei'matogenous epithelium. The 

 former are undoubtedly related to tlie acquirement of secondary masculine char- 

 acters of sex." Of the ovary he says (p. 279): " . . . . the interstitial 

 cells of the gland which, in all probability, play a role similar to that of the cells 

 of Lej'dig in the male. The existence of such cells in the ovary has been fully 

 described by Limon." 



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