RESUMEN
A number of workers have studied the effect of follicular fluid (FF) on the secretion of follicular stimulating hormone (FSH) but little is known about its potential as a regulator of ovarian activity, including ovulation rate. This paper describes the effect of charcoal treated-buffalo follicular fluid (buFF) treatment on follicular growth and ovulation rate in guinea pigs. Eighteen guinea pigs in three groups of 6 each were given 0.2 ml buFF at 12 hr interval for 3 days at different stages of estrous cycle viz., early-luteal, mid-luteal or follicular phase. One control group received equal volume of saline. Estrus was monitored every morning and evening by inspection of the opening of vaginal membrane and its cytology. All animals were sacrificed at 24 hr after the onset of estrus. Both the ovaries were dissected out, weighed and number of ovulation points recorded. One ovary from each animal was processed for histological examination to determine the population of healthy and atretic follicles. In early-luteal and follicular phase-treated animals the onset of estrus was delayed (P < 0.01) and ovulation rate was not affected. However, estrus occurred at normal when the treatment was initiated at midluteal stage and 50% animals failed to ovulate in this group. The total follicle population at metestrus increased significantly in all treated animals because of increase in number of follicles of size class II (400 to < 600 microns diam.). Atresia was also declined due to treatment. These results demonstrated that the buFF contained some inhibitory substances that delayed the onset of estrus in guinea pigs.