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The Maturation of the Ovary in Wild Rabbits, Oryctolagus cuniculus , in South Sweden
Author(s) -
Andersson Mats,
Meurling Patrick
Publication year - 1977
Publication title -
acta zoologica
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.414
H-Index - 37
eISSN - 1463-6395
pISSN - 0001-7272
DOI - 10.1111/j.1463-6395.1977.tb00243.x
Subject(s) - biology , ovary , ovulation , seasonal breeder , andrology , stage (stratigraphy) , ovarian tissue , developmental stage , follicle , medicine , zoology , endocrinology , hormone , psychology , paleontology , developmental psychology
In the ovaries of wild yearling rabbits the histologic changes occurring between September and March were determined and related to age and season. It was found that a considerable part of the ovarian development is characterized by the growth of follicles which soon become atretic and form interstitial gland tissue. The ovarian development up to a “sub‐ovulatory” stage may be completed in the autumn in rabbits born early in the season, and later in those born late, so that by mid‐winter they are all in this stage. No ovulation was found in rabbits in the early stages of development, and it is suggested that the presence of interstitial tissue is essential for full reproductive capacity.