Light microscopic observations of the corpus luteum in the ovary of goat (Capra hircus)

Abstract

Ovaries were collected from 20 (10 pregnant and 10 non-pregnant) apparently healthy, nondescript goats to take up light microscopic observations on the corpus luteum in ovary of goats. After fixation and rOlltine paraffin embedding technique 5 to 7 micron thick sections were stained with haematoxylin and eosin, Wilder's reticulum, Masson's trichrome and Weigert's resorcin fuchsin stains. Generally, the corpus luteum occupied nearly whole of the cortical stroma and pushed the medulla towards the periphery. In few ovaries 2 corpora lutea were encountered. Collagen and reticular fibers formed the capsule of the corpus luteum, and trabeculae and septae radiating from the capsule divided the luteal parenchyma into lobes and lobules. The reticular fibers -interspersing among the cellular component were relatively more in non-pregnant animals than pregnant group. The granulosa lutein cells, theca lutein cells and spindle shaped cells formed the parenchyma of the gland. The size of the granulosa lutein cells was largest among all 3 cell types followed by theca lutein cells and spindle shaped cells. The granulosa lutein cells predominated other cell types. In the non-pregnant animals theca lutein cells were encountered more than spindle shaped cells whereas in pregnant animals the picture was reverse.