ANGIOGRAPHIC STUDIES OF THE EXTRINSIC VASCULATURE OF THE RABBIT OVARY

Hysterectomy is known to increase the life-span of the CL in several mammalian species (Dobrowolski & Hafez, 1971; Anderson, 1973) and the involvement of prostaglandins has been suggested (Pharriss, 1970; McCracken, Baird & Goding, 1971). Total hysterectomy in the rabbit extends the life of the CL(Asdell & Hammond, 1933) and exogenous prostaglandins cause luteolysis(Duncan & Pharriss, 1970). Few detailed studies have been reported on the vasculature of the rabbit ovary and the present investigation was carried out to determine whether anatomical prerequisites exist for a local uterine control of luteal function. Two groups of female albino Swedish Land rabbits, 5 to 6 months old and weighing 2\m=.\3to 3\m=.\0kg, were studied. The first group (four animals) consisted of untreated animals that had not previously been mated. The mean ovarian weight in these animals was 84 mg. The second group (three animals) was given 500 i.u. HCG (Gonadex: Leo Ltd) intravenously 8 days before angiography. The ovaries of these animals contained 10 to 15 CL and the mean ovarian weight was 192 mg on the day of the examination. The rabbits were anaesthetized with sodium pentobarbital (Nembutal