Effects of immunizing rabbits against oestradiol-6-oxime-BSA on ovarian follicular development

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Abstract
Female rabbits were actively immunized either against bovine serum albumin (BSA) or estradiol-6-oxime BSA. When the antibody titers were elevated they were sacrificed and various parameters measured. Uterine weights were significantly lower, and a large number of hemorrhagic and some cystic follicles were present in the ovaries of the estradiol immunized group. Increased serum gonadotropins, testosterone, estradiol and progesterone levels as well as greater serum binding of estradiol were also noted. Examination of the response of isolated follicles to gonadotropin treatment in vitro indicated that estradiol immunization decreased the ability of isolated follicles to form androgen and estrogen following gonadotropin treatment; progesterone levels were high regardless of the presence or absence of gonadotropins. Estradiol apparently plays an important role in follicular development.