HORMONAL FACTORS RESPONSIBLE FOR DEPOSITION OF CHOLESTEROL IN THE CORPUS LUTEUM OF THE RAT

Abstract

An histochemical study of the lipids in corpora lutea of the rat at various stages of the estrous cycle (Everett, 1945, b) disclosed with advancing ctiestrus an increasing abundance of substances which give the Schultz reaction and which are regarded as cholesterol and its esters. A transitory depletion of these substances was noted during proestrus, followed by their renewed intracellular deposition during the stage of full cornification. Evidence was presented which indicated that such corpora lutea are weakly stimulated during diestrus, undergo a burst of activity during proestrus and then begin to retrogress after the new ovulation has taken place. The deposition during the post-ovulatory period of large amounts of cholesterol in the next youngest set of corpora lutea was shown to represent regression after a moderate degree of luteotrophic stimulation. It seemed probable, however, that factors other than luteotrophin (lactogen) are concerned in bringing about cholesterol accumulation.