ZUR LOKALISATION DER INNERSEKRETORISCHEN FUNKTION DES MENSCHLICHEN OVARS

Abstract

ABSTRACT The histochemical localization of some oxydative enzymes which catalize steps in the Embden-Meyerhof chain, hexosemonophosphate shunt and the citric acid cycle, was studied in normal human ovaries. In contrast to the very low concentration and homogeneous distribution of enzyme activities of the citric acid cycle in the ovarian components, the theca interna of the developing follicle and the theca and granulosa lutein cells show extremely high levels of activities of TPN-specific and glycolytic enzymes. Attempts were made to establish some relation between the findings mentioned above and the localization of hormone production. It was concluded that the synthesis of progesterone is located in the granulosa lutein cells while the formation of oestrogens takes place in the remaining ovarian components, which show a high activity of TPN-specific and glycolytic enzymes.