The distribution of smooth muscle in the cat ovary with a note on its adrenergic innervation

Smooth muscle in the ovaries of estrus and anestrus cats was studied with the TP‐Levanol Fast Cyanine 5 RN technique and adrenergic nerves were visualized with the Falck‐Hillarp fluorescence procedure. Numerous bundles of smooth muscle fibers were observed in the mesovarium, and the hilar, medullary, and cortical regions of the estrus ovary. Also, theca externa of large vesicular follicles contained many smooth muscle fibers. Adrenergic nerves with varicosities were present in ovarian perifollicular tissue. Anestrus animals had a reduced number of cortical and perifollicular muscle fibers and the intensity and density of fluorescent nerves was reduced. It is suggested that contraction of ovarian smooth muscle facilitates ovulation. These contractions may be, at least partially, under local neural control.