Histoenzymic studies on the ovary of Indian buffalo during different reproductive stages

Distribution pattern of phosphatases, oxidoreductases and non-specific esterases were studied in ovary of prepubertal, follicular phase, luteal phase and in pregnant animals. In the ovary of prepubertal buffaloes, distribution of phosphatases (AKPase and G-6-Pase) was negligible in the surface epithelium, tunica albuginea and stroma in the cortex region while it was weak during the follicular, luteal and pregnant animals. Its activity was strong in the primordial and primary follicles in all the phases of the reproduction. Strong to intense reaction was observed in the theca cells and granulosa cells. The luteal cells and blood vessels in corpus luteum of luteal phase showed moderate reactions while strong reaction was observed in the pregnant buffaloes. The enzyme reaction of dehydrogenases revealed that the steroidogenic cells were more active during follicular phase, luteal phase and pregnancy while weak activity was observed in the surface epithelium and tunica albuginea. Reactivity of diaphorases were weak to moderate in surface epithelium and tunica albuginea, moderate activity in theca cells and oocyte and intense reaction in granulosa cells of tertiary follicles and weak activity in connective tissue septa and intense in luteal cells in parenchyma of corpus luteum of buffalo. Activity of NSE was strong in the granulosa cells and corona radiate cells of secondary and tertiary follicles while it was moderate in the theca cells. Most of the enzymes were more active in pubertal and pregnant buffaloes compared with prepubertal buffaloes and could be correlated with the steroid synthesis. The difference in the intensity of enzyme in different compartments of ovary also correlated with the cells participating in the hormone synthesis.