Characteristics of invasive cells found in between zona pellucida and oocyte during follicular atresia in mice

• DOI: 10.1017/s0967199404002825
• Publication Date: 2004-10-14T04:35:16Z
• Authors: Atsuko Kamo; Yoshihiko Araki; Kunihiko Maeda; Hiroshi Watanabe
• Keywords: Follicular atresia; Antral follicle

During the process of follicular atresia, cells are observed to invade zona pellucida (invasive cells) where they presumably play an important role in eliminating degraded oocytes. Although our preliminary studies have suggested that these may originate from granulosa and not macrophages, a detailed morphological analysis has been conducted. The objective this study was characterize more precisely by electron microscopy immunohistochemistry, using sexually immature mice. results show invasive were first within advanced primary (non-antral) atretic follicles. frequently contained cytoplasmic lysosome-like granules after passing through pellucida. F4/80 Mac-1, reported as macrophage-specific antibodies, reactive with most cases, but some immunonegative also observed. ultrastructural features quite similar those cells, macrophages. Gap junctions, which typical structures epithelial identified between neighbouring cells. direct evidence indicating contribution elimination degenerated oocytes obtained, strongly suggest originated surrounding pellucida, macrophage-like cell function for follicles