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Ovarian proteolytic enzymes and ovulation.

Mammalian ovulation is a dynamic phenomenon which requires disruption of the vascular system and displacement of the connective tissue in the wall of the Graafian follicle as the ovum is released. In most mammals, the whole follicle protrudes more markedly from the ovarian surface at the time of ovulation, and in many instances a thin translucent stigma, the macula pellucida, forms at the apex of the follicle as the final sign of impending rupture. This unusual morphological change has left a striking impression on those who have actually observed it. Kelly (1931) was so fascinated while observing a rabbit follicle near rupture he stated “as tension within the follicle increases, the transparent portion around the pole begins to bulge. . . . It now stands out like the nipple on a breast.” The moment of rupture sometimes appears as an explosive event, leading observers to compare it to a “volcano erupting” (Hill et al., 1935) or a “blister that bursts” (Blandau, 1966). There are several reports which provide detailed accounts of the macroscopic and microscopic changes that occur during this process (Walton and Hammond, 1928; Blandau, 1966). Until the past decade little progress has been made in the elucidation of the actual mechanism of follicular rupture. Lack of knowledge On this important event in the reproductive process is probably due to the fact that the experimental approach of most studies conducted prior to 1960 was limited to visual and histological observations of the follicle. But even the reports based on more comprehensive studies yielded indecisive opinions that “the results of these experiments were either negative or so inconsistent that [the investigators] were unable to produce any conclusive evidence” (Guttmacher and Guttmacher, 1921), and “the problem still remains in this condition of uncertainty” (Kraus, 1947). As Hisaw (1961) counseled a dozen years ago, “the solution of the problem of ovulation may be found by investigating the basic physiological processes that go on in the follicle.” The information presented in this symposium, which Dr. Nalbandov has so timely organized, reveals that steps have been taken in the right direction.