Summary
An electron microscopic investigation of the lutein cells of the blue fox was undertaken, based on the hypothesis that differences in plasma progesterone levels at differing stages of pregnancy might be reflected in the ultrastructural organization. Comparisons were made between corpora lutea taken from animals mated 1, 2, 5, 14, 18, 20, 28, 33, 36, 39 and 45 days after the estimated time of ovulation. Measurements of progesterone on plasma samples were performed by a rapid competitive protein-binding assay.
During the period with increasing and/or high plasma progesterone levels, (i.e. 1 to 14 days after ovulation) the lutein cells are characterized by evenly distributed cisternal agranular ER, mitochondria with both tubular and lamellar cristae, and electron-dense lipid droplets. The abundant agranular ER is closely associated with the lipid droplets and mitochondria.
During the period with declining plasma progesterone levels, the lutein cells present a different morphological picture: the agranular ER assumes the form of bundles of parallel tubules disposed in several planes. During the latest stages observed, these “bundles” are disrupted and most of the agranular ER become arranged in smaller concentric whorls. Both kinds of whorls regularly enclose lipid droplets, dense bodies and mitochondria. The regions between the whorls contain scattered cisternae of endoplasmic reticulum, ribosomes, mitochondria and lysosome-like dense bodies.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Bjersing, L.: On the ultrastructure of granulosa lutein cells in porcine corpus luteum, with special reference to endoplasmic reticulum and steroid hormone synthesis. Z. Zellforsch. 82, 187–211 (1967)
Bjersing, L., Deane, H. W.: Endocrine activity, histochemistry and ultrastructure of ovine corpora lutea. I. Further observations on regression at the end of the oestrous cycle. Z. Zellforsch. 111, 437–457 (1970)
Blanchette, E. J.: Ovarian steroid cell. II. The lutein cell. J. Cell Biol. 81, 517–542 (1966)
Bourneva, V.: Feinstruktur der Luteinzellen des Meerschweincheneierstocks während der Schwangerschaft und des Zyklus. Z. Zellforsch. 142, 525–537 (1973)
Carr, I., Carr, J.: Membranous whorls in the testicular interstitial cell. Anat. Rec. 144, 143–147 (1962)
Christensen, A. K., Gillim, S. W.: The correlation of fine structure and function in steroidsecreting cells, with emphasis on those of the gonads. In: The gonads (K. W. McKerns, ed.). Amsterdam: North-Holland Publishing Co. 1969
Crombie, P. R., Burton, R. D., Ackland, N.: The ultrastructure of the corpus luteum of the guinea-pig. Z. Zellforsch. 115, 473–493 (1971)
Davies, J., Broadus, C. D.: Studies on the fine structure of ovarian steroid-secreting cells in the rabbit. I. The normal interstitial cells. Amer. J. Anat. 123, 441–474 (1968)
Deane, H. W.: The anatomy, chemistry and physiology of adreno-cortical tissue. In: Handbuch der experimentellen Pharmakologie (O. Eichler and A. Farah, eds.) Berlin-GöttingenHeidelberg: Springer 1962
Enders, A. C., Lyons, W. R.: Observations of the fine structure of lutein cells. II. The effect of hypophysectomy and mammotrophic hormone in the rat. J. Cell Biol. 22, 127–141 (1964)
Fawcett, D. W.: An atlas of fine structure; the cell, its organelles and inclusions, 448 pp. Philadelphia: Saunders (1966)
Fylling, P.: The effect of pregnancy, ovariectomy and parturition on plasma progesterone level in sheep. Aota endocr. (Kbh.) 65, 273–283 (1970)
Gillim, S. W., Christensen, A. K., McLennan, C. E.: Fine structure of the human menstrual corpus luteum at its stage of maximum secretory activity. Amer. J. Anat. 126, 409–428 (1969)
Green, J. A., Maqueo, M.: Ultrastructure of the human ovary. I. The luteal cell during the menstrual cycle. Amer. J. Obstet. Gynec. 92, 946–957 (1965)
Heap, R. B.: Role of hormones in pregnancy. In: Reproduction in mammals, book 3 (C. R. Austin and R. V. Short, eds.). Cambridge: University Press 1972
Johansson, E.D.B.: Progesterone levels in peripheral plasma during the luteal phase of the normal human menstrual cycle measured by a rapid competitive protein binding technique. Acta endocr. (Kbh.) 61, 592–606 (1969)
Kretser, D. M. de: Changes in the fine structure of the human testicular interstitial cells after treatment with human gonadotrophins. Z. Zellforsch. 83, 344–358 (1967)
Lennep, E. W. van, Madden, L. M.: Electron microscopic observations on the involution of the human corpus luteum of menstruation. Z. Zellforsch. 66, 365–380 (1965)
Long, J. A.: Corpus luteum of pregnancy in the rat-ultrastructural and cytochemical observations. Biol. Reprod. 8, 87–99 (1973)
Millonig, G.: The advantages of a phosphate buffer for OsO4 solutions in fixation. J. appl. Phys. 32, 1637 (1961)
Møller, O. M.: Progesterone concentrations in the peripheral plasma of the blue fox (Alopex lagopus) during pregnancy and the oestrous cycle. J. Endocr. 59, 429–438 (1973 a)
Møller, O. M.: The fine structure of the lutein cells in the mink (Mustela vison) with special reference to the secretory activity during pregnancy. Z. Zellforsch. 138, 523–544 (1973b)
Møller, O. M.: The fine structure of the ovarian interstitial gland cells in the mink, Mustela vison. J. Reprod. Fertil. 34, 171–174 (1973c)
Møller, O. M.: Effects of ovariectomy on the plasma progesterone and the maintenance of gestation in the blue fox, Alopex lagopus. J. Reprod. Fertil., 37, 141–143 (1974)
Motta, P.: Electron microscope study of the human lutein cell with special reference to the secretory activity. Z. Zellforsch. 98, 233–245 (1969)
Pearson, O. D., Enders, R. K.: Ovulation, maturation an fertilization in the fox. Anat. Rec. 85, 69–83 (1943)
Pease, D. C.: Histological techniques for electron microscopy, 2nd ed., 381 pp. New YorkLondon: Academic Press 1964
Phemister, R. D., Holst, P. A., Spano, J. S., Hopwood, M. L.: Time of ovulation in the beagle bitch. Biol. Reprod. 8, 74–82 (1973)
Priedkalns, J., Weber, A. F.: Ultrastructural studies of the bovine Graafian follicle and corpus luteum. Z. Zellforsch. 91, 554–573 (1968)
Reynolds, E. S.: The use of lead citrate at high pH as an electron-opaque stain in electron microscopy. J. Cell Biol. 17, 208–212 (1963)
Steiner, J. W., Miyami, K., Phillips, M. J.: Electron microscopy of membrane particle arrays in liver cells of ethionine intoxicated rats. Amer. J. Path. 44, 169–213 (1964)
Venge, O.: Reproduction in the fox and mink. Anim. Breed. Abstr. 27, 129–145 (1959)
Yates, R. D., Arai, K., Rappoport, D. A.: Fine structure and chemical composition of opaque cytoplasmic bodies of triparanol treated hamsters. Exp. Cell Res. 47, 459–478 (1967)
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Møller, O.M. The fine structure of the lutein cells in the blue fox (Alopex lagopus) with special reference to the secretory activity during pregnancy. Cell Tissue Res. 149, 61–79 (1974). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00209050
Received:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00209050