THE EFFECT OF COPPER CHLORIDE UPON THE FOLLICLES STAGE IN MOUSE OVARIES

Summary Copper in excess is a potential teratogen in mice a nd chick embryos. There are only few experimental data regarding folliculogenesis in mic e ovaries. In order to obtain an insight into this aspect, the effect of CuCl 2 70 mg% was investigated by microscopic evaluation of follicles at 2, 5 and 10 days after treatment. Data obtained showed that after 2 days of the treatment there are significantly more follicles in stage II, compared with the control group and with the others two experimental groups ( 5 and 10 days after treatment). Also, in the experimental group were recorded some atypical aspect of granulosa cells and oocyte itself. Data obtained confirm a harmful effe ct of copper upon folliculogenesis in the first 2 days after treatment, which disappear, gradually at 5 and 10 days after treatment.