Ovaries and adrenals in murine Schistosomiasis mansoni. I. Histopathological changes of the ovaries in acute and chronic infection.

Acute and chronic infections with schistosomiasis mansoni in mice were found to cause a reduction of the ovarian weight and atrophy of the corpus luteum cells, followed by lymphocytic and stroma cell infiltration. Finally, the corpora lutea disappeared completely. Acute schistosomiasis caused arrested development of the corpora lutea. Both acute and chronic schistosomiasis led to the formation of "wheel cells" in the interstitial tissue of the ovaries. A threshold level of intensity of disease was found to be necessary for these pathological changes. With less severe schistosomiasis, the morphology of the corpora lutea remained normal. The more intensive and long-lasting the infection, the greater became the atrophy of corpora lutea. The various factors which could have caused these pathological alterations are discussed in the light of available literature, and it is suggested that a pituitary hypofunction, and particularly a lack of luteinizing hormone effect, may play a role in the pathological transformation of the ovarian tissue.