THE NUMBERS OF NORMAL AND ATRETIC OVA IN THE MATURE RAT

Abstract
The total numbers of healthy and atretic oocytes in the ovaries of 36 rats from 9 litters, ranging from 60-262 days of age, were counted and classified into 6 groups according to the stage of development. Statistical analysis of the results showed that age and litter-relationship influence the total number of oocytes to an extent which completely overshadows any influence on the total count which might be exercised by the estrous rhythm. These results are discussed in relation to current views about cyclic fluctuations in the rate of oogenesis.
Keywords