LOCALIZATION OF SUPEROXIDE DISMUTASE IN THE OVARY AND UTERUS OF MICE DURING PREGNANCY WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO STEROIDOGENESIS AND IMPLANTATION

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The distribution of the enzyme Cu-Zn superoxide dismutase in the ovary and uterus during early pregnancy has been dealt with in this histochemical study. Cu-Zn superoxide dismutase is found to be present in membrana granulosa of Graafian follicles and ovulated follicles, corpora lutea and blood vessels of the ovary. This presence has been attributed a functional significance in the process of luteal steroidogenesis. The marked low levels of uterine Cu-Zn superoxide dismutase and its noticeable absence in the endometrium, the site of blastocyst attachment, at 5.00 A.M. on Day 5 of pregnancy is evident. The possible involvement of these lowered levels in implantation is discussed.