Activity of ovarian 5-3 -hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase in the domestic fowl (Gallus domesticus) with respect to age

Abstract

The distribution of .DELTA.5-3.beta.-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase was examined in the ovaries of hens aged 8-30 wk. At all ages the interstitial cells (both thecal and stomal) gave a positive formazan reaction, but a positive reaction was not obtained in the granulosa cells of follicles less than 5 mm diameter in mature or immature birds. Since activity was restricted to follicles of larger size than this, steroidogenesis occurs in the granulosa cells for only the last 7-8 days of their life in the preovulatory follicle.