Changes in the mast cell number and degranulation pattern during periovulatory period and after blocking gonadotrophin surge in mice ovarian compartments.

Mast cell in the ovary of cyclic mice were observed in the ovarian medulla, hilum and bursa, but not in the cortex. A significant increase in the degranulation of mast cells was observed in the hilum and bursa but not in the medulla following the gonadotrophin (Gn) surge as compared with before the surge at proestrus. The results of pentobarbital treatment at proestrus imply the significant role played by estradiol 17-beta (E2) in inducing mast cells migration and degranulation, specially in the medullary, cortical and bursal region of the ovary. The results indicate differential regulation of mast cells number and degranulation in different ovarian compartments of mice.