Cellular composition and steroidogenic capacity of the ovary of Macrotus californicus (Chiroptera: Phyllostomatidae) during and after delayed embryonic development

In the leaf-nosed bat, Macrotus californicus, a 4,5-month period of delayed early embryogenesis (October-March) precedes a 3.5-month period of normal embryogenesis (March-June). This prolonged gestation provides a unique opportunity to correlate ovarian changes with the events following implantation. The present study investigated luteal cell development and follicular biology during gestation. Circulating progesterone (P) levels following implantation were unchanged before transition to normal development, and were maximal at the start of active gestation. Luteal cell diameters increased during this period. Serum P levels declined prior to parturition, when cells staining positive for 3β-hydroxy-5-steroid dehydrogenase-5,4-isomerase (3β-HSD) activity were reduced in number and diameter, and enzyme staining was less intense in tissue slices. Subcellular steroidogenic organelles were present during delayed development, but smooth endoplasmic reticulum (SER) was markedly increased after the resumption of normal development at which time also luteal cells reacted positively to staining for 17β-HSD. Before parturition, lipid droplet accumulation and reduced SER suggested a reduction in steroid secretion. Large multilaminar follicles stained positive for 3β-HSD activity throughout gestation and for 17β-HSD except in late delayed development. Thus, the delay in embryogenesis may be due to an inadequately developed corpus luteum or to the steroidogenic activity of the multilaminar follicles.