Abstract

PIP: The author arrives at a hypothesis for ovarian processes in ovulation through examination of his own work and that of others in the field of ovarian ovulatory mechanisms. The mechanical aspects of follicular rupture are the main points considered. It appears that no significant change in intrafollicular pressure occurs in ovulation. On the other hand, a marked increase in wall tissue distensibility occurs and is probably associated with a decrease in breaking strength. A relatively small change in distensibility could produce an unstable follicle which would rupture with normal intrafollicular pressures. The collagen component is probably important to the wall's structural strength. In ovulation the interfibrillar bonding may be interfered with so that tension upon stretching is reduced and increased slippage of fibrils past one another occurs. Though a collagenase-like enzyme has been identified in the follicular tissue and appears to be released at ovulation, no definite link has been made between this enzyme and the increase of follicular distensibility in vivo. If luteinizing hormone stimulates the synthesis or release of an ovulatory enzyme, it probably does so by stimulation or steroid secretion rather than by direct stimulation of enzyme synthesis or release. With more knowledge, fertility control may be achieved at the level of the ovary without simultaneous control though trophic factors.