Superior ovarian nerve (SON) transection leads to stunted follicular maturation: a histomorphologic and morphometric analysis in the rat model.

Histomorphologic and morphometric effects of peripubertal superior ovarian nerve (SON) transection were evaluated during adult life in rats. Twenty Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into two groups: the SON-transected (SON-t) group (n = 10) and the sham-operated control group (n = 10). Total follicle development was not influenced; however, follicular maturation was seriously stunted by the procedure, as evidenced by significantly thinner theca interna and follicular wall.