Dynamics of Oogenesis in a Lower Vertebrate, the Toad Bufo bufo

Abstract The patterns of production and growth of oocytes were studied in female toads brought into the laboratory after hibernation and kept at 20°C. The oogenic state of the ovaries was determined from the number and size frequency distribution of the oocytes, and change in oogenic state was followed by comparing ovarian biopsies with the ovaries at autopsy one month later. New oocytes grew within one month to sizes up to 0.16 mm or more in diameter, and were integrated in the existing pool of small oocytes. Production of new oocytes continued for more than one month, perhaps 2–3 months, to increase the pool of oocytes by about 50%. An episode of oogenesis sensu stricto is followed by a resting period, probably lasting for about 1–2 years. Oogenesis was not coordinated with ovulation or recruitment of oocytes to vitellogenic growth and it occurred also in the ovaries of sexually immature toads. Exogenous gonadotropin (hCG) and/or fasting for one month of toads in a good nutritional condition did not affect oogenesis, but no oogenic episodes were observed in the ovaries of starving toads that were depleted of energy reserves. It is concluded that oogenesis and growth of oocytes constitute a dynamic system that is only inadequately described by the widely accepted linear, sequential model of production of eggs in amphibians and teleosts.