Morphological and endocrine study of the ovarian interstitial tissue of viscacha (Lagostomus maximus maximus).

The morphological and endocrine aspects of the ovarian interstitial tissue of adult female viscachas were investigated to establish the probable function and the biological significance of this compartment in this rodent. Pregnant and nonpregnant adult female viscachas were used. The histological characteristics, histochemical properties, and ultrastructural features of the interstitial tissue were studied. A morphometric study was carried out to measure the relative area of lipid droplets. The progesterone and androstenedione levels in ovarian tissue as well as in serum were determined by radioimmunoassay. In this species, the histological observations showed an abundant interstitial tissue that contained a large amount of lipids. The cholesterol and its esters were present in nonpregnant females and were scarce in pregnant animals. The most ultrastructural differences were observed at mid-pregnancy. At this stage, the interstitial cells showed features that suggested higher steroidogenic activity. Furthermore, during mid-pregnancy, the relative area of lipid droplets was smaller. Both progesterone and androstenedione levels in ovarian tissue and serum were higher during pregnancy. Our results suggest that the interstitial tissue may be storage of precursor substances for the steroidogenesis via. These precursors are probably used when the endocrine requirements are high, that is, during the pregnancy. Thus, this compartment may contribute to the normal gestation of Lagostomus. However, the relation between the interstitial tissue and the pregnancy is complex, and further studies are needed to clearly establish it.