Effect of the Age of the Rat at the Time of Hemicastration on the Weight, Estimated Secretory Activity and Δ5-3β-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase Activity of the Remaining Ovary

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Abstract
Changes in ovarian weight and ovarian [DELTA]5-3[beta]-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase activity were measured at intervals of 1,2 and 4 weeks after hemicastration of rats of different ages. The changes in the 2 ovarian indices were often not paralleL The extent of the response obtained in weight or in enzymic activity after any of the above intervals was dependent on the age of the rat when hemicastration was performed. The significance of these findings is discussed with regard to the mechanisms responsible for the compensatory changes. It was also observed that removal of one ovary from prepuberal rats caused a delay in the onset of puberty. It would appear that the hormonal secretion of the ovary of the prepuberal rat plays a critical role in the normal maturation of the hypothalamic-hypophysial axis and in determining the time of onset of puberty.