A method for separating the granulosa cells, the basal lamina and the theca of the preovulatory ovarian follicle of the domestic fowl (Gallus domesticus)

The preovulatory follicle of the domestic hen is almost certainly a steroid-producing structure (see Shahabi, Norton & Nalbandov, 1975). However, the details of steroidogenesis are unknown because studies are complicated by the presence of steroidogenic cells of two types, the granulosa and the thecal interstitial cells (Text-fig. 1). Furthermore, it is difficult to obtain preparations free from large amounts of yolk which interfere with the analytical techniques.