Summary
The ultrastructure of the follicle cells during previtellogenesis and early vitellogenesis have been studied. In previtellogenesis follicle cells are columnar with numerous bundles of microtubules located along the lateral plasma membranes. Oocyte-follicle cell gap junctions are not found in this stage. At the onset of vitellogenesis, the bundles of microtubules disappear and are replaced by an apically located ring of microtubules. The modification of microtubular cytoskeleton is not followed by the development of intercellular spaces between the follicle cells. Concurrently, numerous gap junctions are formed between specialized follicle cell processes and oocyte microvilli, which are arranged in characteristic cone-shaped aggregations. It is suggested that cytoskeletal changes and formation of heterologous gap junctions, occurring at the onset of vitellogenesis, are induced by juvenile hormone.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Anderson E, Albertini DF (1976) Gap junctions between the oocyte and companion follicle cells in the mammalian ovary. J Cell Biol 71:680–686
Bilínski S (1986) The formation of intercellular bridge coating in the hairy whirligig beetle, Orectochilus villosus. Cell Tissue Res 243:673–675
Bilínski S, Hage WJ, Bluemink JG (1985) Gap junctions between the follicle cells and the oocyte during oogenesis in an insect, Tribolium destructor/Coleoptera. Roux's Arch Dev Biol 194:296–300
Bilínski S, Klag J (1982) Gap junctions between oocyte and follicle cells in Acerentomon sp. (Insecta, Protura). Int J Inv Reprod 5:331–335
Gilula NB, Epstein ML, Beers WH (1978) Cell-to-cell communication and ovulation: a study of the cumulus-oocyte complex. J Cell Biol 78:58–75
Giorgi F, Postlethwait JH (1985) Development of gap junctions in normal and mutant ovaries of Drosophila melanogaster. J Morphol 185:115–129
Huebner E (1981) Oocyte-follicle cell interaction during normal oogenesis and atresia in an insect. J Ultrastruct Res 74:95–104
Huebner E, Injeyan H (1981) Follicular modulation during oocyte development in an insect: formation and modification of septate and gap junctions. Dev Biol 83:101–113
King RC, Büning J (1985) The origin and functioning of insect oocytes and nurse cells. In: Kerkut GA, Gilbert LI (eds) Comprehensive insect physiology, biochemistry and pharmacology, vol 1. Embryogenesis and reproduction. Pergamon Press, Oxford, pp 37–82
Lauverjat S, Szollosi A, Marcaillou C (1984) Permeability of the ovarian follicle during oogenesis in Locusta migratoria L. (Insecta, Orthoptera). J Ultrastruct Res 87:197–211
Mazzini M, Giorgi F (1985) The follicle cell-oocyte interaction in ovarian follicles of the stick insect Bacillus rossius Rossi: Insecta: Phasmatodea. J Morphol 185:37–49
Telfer WH, Huebner E, Smith DS (1982) The cell biology of vitellogenic follicles in Hyalophora and Rhodnius. In: King RC, Akai H (eds) Insect ultrastructure, vol I. Plenum Press, New York, pp 118–149
Woodruff RI (1979) Electrotonic junctions in cecropia moth ovaries. Dev Biol 69:281–295
Woodruff RI, Anderson KL (1984) Nutritive cord connection and dye-coupling of the follicular epithelium to the growing oocytes in the telotrophic ovarioles in Oncopeltus fasciatus. the milkweed bug. Roux's Arch Dev Biol 193:158–163
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Biliński, S.M., Szklarzewicz, T. Ultrastructural modifications of the follicular epithelium accompanying the onset of vitellogenesis in the whirligig beetle, Gyrinus natator . Cell Tissue Res. 249, 209–214 (1987). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00215435
Accepted:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00215435