The interstitial cells of the mammalian ovary: Felis domestica

Abstract

It is a rather striking fact that while the occurrence of relatively large epitheloid cells, with clear vesicular nucleus, which are generally termed 'interstitial cells' has been known for a number of years t o exist in the ovaries of the common mammals including man, they generally receive but scant mention in text-books of anatomy and histology.Herein accounts of the structure of the ovary usually contrast with those of the male reproductive organ, the testis, the interstitial cells of which are practically always fully described.On the other hand, contrasting with this conservative attitude we have the tendency on the part of many recent writers to see in these cells formers of an ovarian 'internal secretion,' even designating them as the 'internal gland' of the ovary.Yet, on the physiological as on the morphological side there is evident the same contrast between the definiteness of statement as to the interstitial cells of the testis and the vague and uncertain attitude as to the basis of the 'internal secretion' of the ovary.'I n recent works summing up results upon the "Organs of internal secretion," this contrast is revealed.Biedl ('10) concludes that the evidence strongly supports the secretory character of the interstitial cells of the testis, while stating that it is as yet inconclusive for the interstitial cells of the ovary.Swale Vincent ('12) quotcs conclusions supporting the importance of the interstitial cells of the testis; he but incidentally mentions the interstitial cells of the ovary.Gushing ('12) says (p. 276): " I n the testis there are two factors t o be considered, the interstitial cells and the cells of Sertoli or spermatogenous epithelium.The former are undoubtedly related to the acquirement of secondary masculine characters of sex."Of the ovary he says (p. 279): '' . . . . the interstitial cells of the gland which, in all probability, play a r81e similar t o that of the cells of Leydig in the male.The existence of such cells in the ovary has been fully described by Limon."