On induced fragmentation of ovarian oocytes.

Fragmentation of oocytes was induced in the ovary, via ovulation suppression, by administration of dehydroepiandrosterone acetate (DHA-Ac) to mature cycling rats. The maximal fragmentation ratio, 15.0 +/- 3.2%, was obtained by 10 mg/100 g b.wt/day for 7-day administration of DHA-Ac. The relationship of fragmentation to the first stage of meiosis is also discussed.