The morphology of the lymphatics of the rabbit ovary, and their possible relation to ovulation

[摘要] The number and size of the lymph vessels in the rabbit ovary appear to be disproportionate to the size of the organ. From a cursory examination of the ovary, it is difficult to see why such a relatively small organ should require such an extensive drainage system. The author was unable to find references to detailed work concerned with the lymphatics of the rabbit ovary, but Wislocki and Dempsey (1939) described the lymphatics in the ovary of the Rhesus monkey, and Andersen (1926) has given a detailed account of the development of the lymph vessels in the sow’s ovary during the formation of the corpora lutea. This Investigator remarked upon the extensive network of lymph vessels, and she suggested that they might be concerned with carrying off endocrine products. The purpose of this Investigation was to ascertain whether the lymphatics were subservient to some function of the ovary other than drainage. During the preliminary histological studies it was very difficult to distinguish between small veins and lymph vessels, and because of this fact, it became necessary to study the veins, and also the arteries, in order to be able to distinguish lymph vessels from blood vessels. finis paper presents evidence for the existence of direct connections between the blood vessels and lymph vessels in the rabbit ovary. So far as the author is aware, such connections have not previously been described.

[发布机构] Rice University