[Fate of the two largest ovarian follicles of sheep following destruction of the largest follicle and/or the removal of the corpus luteum at two times in the cycle].

Marking of the largest (F1) and the second largest (F2) follicles of the ovaries of the sheep with India ink has allowed us to observe the fate of these follicles after different treatments. All the F1 and F2 follicles of the controls marked on the 10th day of the cycle became atretic, but when the marking was done on the 14th day, only the F1 (of the marked follicles) ovulated. Destruction of the F1 with or without removal of the corporalutea allowed some of the F2 to ovulate, wheras only removal of the corpora lutea decreased the number of F1 ovulating. It thus appears that the fate of the F1 is related to the time of the cycle and that the F1 could have an inhibitory effect on the ovulation of the F2. Removal of the corpora lutea also induced the development of several cystic follicles and decreased the total ovulation rate.