The preovulatory decline in follicular oestradiol is not required for ovulation in the rabbit

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Abstract
Using a method of in vitro perfusion of the rabbit ovary with a chemically defined medium in a recirculation system, normal appearing follicular ruptures occurred following exposure of the ovaries to hCG [human chorionic gonadotropin] in vivo (100 IU) or following addition of LH [luteinizing hormone] (0.25 .mu.g/ml) to the perfusate. The addition of estradiol-17.beta. (10 .mu.g/ml) to the perfusate did not inhibit these follicular ruptures, although the follicular fluid estradiol contents were increased more than 100-fold as compared to the control side not receiving the addition of estradiol. Apparently the physiological decline of follicular estrogen, normally observed in vivo prior to ovulation in the rabbit, is not required as part of the mechanism of ovulation and that normal appearing ovulations can occur even though follicular estrogen levels are kept artificially elevated.