Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

A scanning electron microscopic study of the luteo-follicular complex

III. Repair of ovulated follicle and the formation of the corpus luteum

  • Published:
Cell and Tissue Research Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Summary

As observed by SEM, the repair of an ovulated mammalian follicle is accompanied by a sequence of morphogenetic processes. In the initial phase, a mass of cells and coagulated fluids forms at the site of rupture. Shortly thereafter, connective cells, recruited from the adjacent and subjacent connective tissue stroma begin to proliferate and to migrate over this mass such that in the rabbit, the entire site of disruption is covered by a layer of connective cells by approximately 2 days following ovulation. Coincident with the migration of the connective tissue, superficial cells from undisturbed lateral and basal areas of an ovulated follicle also proliferate and begin to migrate over the newly established connective tissue matrix. By approximately 4 days following ovulation in the rabbit, the surface of an ovulated follicle is repopulated by elements of the superficial epithelium. The formation of the underlying corpus luteum (corpora luted) involves characteristic morphological changes as granulosa cells transform into steroid secreting luteal cells. The luteal cells become organized into cords of cells which usually surround capillary vessels. When examined by SEM, the smooth-surfaced endoplasmic reticulum of the luteal cell is quite apparent and is observed to form a three-dimension network of anastomosing tubules which are continuous with the nuclear membrane. Variations in the appearance of the surface of the ovary which directly overlies corpora lutea were observed when the mouse, rat and rabbit were compared. The regression of corpora lutea involves the infiltration of the luteal mass by connective tissue and both degeneration and vacuolization of the luteal cells. The regressing corpus luteum is a honey-comb-like structure in which each space is occupied by a degenerating luteal cell.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Abel, J.H., Jr., McClellan, M.C., Verhage, H.G., Niswender, G.N.: Subcellular compartmentalization of the luteal cell in the ovary of the dog. Cell Tiss. Res. 158, 461–480 (1975b)

    Google Scholar 

  • Abel, J.H., Jr., Verhage, H.G., McClellan, M.C., Niswender, G.N.: Ultrastructural analysis of the granulosa-luteal cell transition in the ovary of the dog. Cell Tiss. Res. 160, 155–176 (1975a)

    Google Scholar 

  • Adams, E.C., Hertig, A.T.: Studies on the human corpus luteum. I. Observations on the ultrastructural development and regression of the luteal cells during the menstrual cycle. J. Cell Biol. 41, 696–715. (1969a)

    Google Scholar 

  • Adams, E.C., Hertig, A.T.: Studies on the human corpus luteum. II. Observations on the ultrastructure of luteal cells during pregnancy. J. Cell Biol. 41, 716–735 (1969b)

    Google Scholar 

  • Albertini, D.F., Anderson, E.: The appearance and structure of intercellular connections during the ontogeny of the rabbit ovarian follicle with particular reference to gap junctions. J. Cell Biol. 63, 234–250 (1974)

    Google Scholar 

  • Albertini, D.F., Anderson, E.: Structural modifications of lutein cell gap junctions during pregnancy in the rat and mouse. Anat. Rec. 181, 171–194 (1975)

    Google Scholar 

  • Blanchette, E.J.: Ovarium steroid cells. I. Differentiation of the lutein cell from the granulosa follicle cell during the preovulatory stage and under the influence of exogenous gonadotropins. J. Cell Biol. 31, 501–516 (1966a)

    Google Scholar 

  • Blanchette, E.J.: Ovarium steroid cells. II. The lutein cell. J. Cell Biol. 31, 517–542 (1966b)

    Google Scholar 

  • Bjersing, L., Cajander, S.: Ovulation and the mechanism of follicle rupture. II. Scanning electron microscopy of rabbit germinal epithelium prior to induced ovulation. Cell Tiss. Res. 149, 301–312 (1974)

    Google Scholar 

  • Bjersing, L., Hay, M.F., Moor, R.M., Short, R.V.: 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)

    Google Scholar 

  • Brambell, F.W.E.: Ovarian changes. In: Marshall's physiology of reproduction, Vol. 1, Part 1 (A.S. Parkes, ed.) London: Longmans, Green and Co. 1956

    Google Scholar 

  • Cajander, S.: Structural analysis of rabbit ovarian follicles after mating with special reference to the overlying surface epithelium. Cell Tiss. Res. 173, 437–449 (1976)

    Google Scholar 

  • Cherney, D.D., Motta, P., DiDio, L.J.A.: Ovarian villi in rabbits studied with light, scanning and transmission electron microscopy. J. Microscopie (Paris) 17, 37–40 (1973)

    Google Scholar 

  • Christensen, A.K., Gillim, S.W.: The correlation of fine structure and function in steroid secreting cells with emphasis on those of the gonads. In: The gonads (K.W. McKerns, ed). New York: Appleton, Century and Crofts 1969

    Google Scholar 

  • Corner, G.W., Jr.: The histological dating of the human corpus luteum of menstruation. Amer. J. Anat. 98, 377–401 (1956)

    Google Scholar 

  • Crisp, T.M., Dessouky, D.A., Denys, F.R.: The fine structure of the human corpus luteum of early pregnancy and during the progestational phase of the menstrual cycle. Amer. J. Anat. 127, 37–70 (1970)

    Google Scholar 

  • Dubreuil, G., Riviere, M: Morphologie et histologie des corps progestatifs et gestatifs (corps jaunes) de l'ovarie feminin. Gynecologie 43, 1–101 (1947)

    Google Scholar 

  • Enders, A.C.: Cytology of the corpus luteum. Biol. Reprod. 8, 158–182 (1973)

    Google Scholar 

  • Enders, A.C., Nelson, D.M.: Pinocytic activity of the uterus of the rat. Amer. J. Anat. 138, 277–300 (1973)

    Google Scholar 

  • Espey, L.L., Stutts, R.H.: Exchange of cytoplasm between cells of the membrana granulosa in the rabbit ovarian follicle. Biol. Reprod. 6, 168–175 (1972)

    Google Scholar 

  • Familiari, G., Renda, T., Motta, P.: Suface coat in steroid secreting cells of the mouse ovary. Acta anat. (Basel) in press

  • Gillim, S.W., Christensen, A.K., McLennan, C.E.: The fine structure of the human menstrual corpus luteum at its stage of maximum secretory activity. Amer. J. Anat. 126, 409–428 (1969)

    Google Scholar 

  • Green, J.A., Garcilazo, J.A., Maqueo, M.: Ultrastructure of the human ovary. II. Canaliculi of the corpus luteum. Amer. J. Obstet. Gynec. 102, 57–64 (1968)

    Google Scholar 

  • Hart, D.M., Baillie, A.H., Caiman, K.C., Ferguson, M.M.: Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase development in the mouse adrenals and gonads. In: Developments in steroid histochemistry, Chap. 5. New York: Academic Press 1966

    Google Scholar 

  • Jacoby, A.: Histochemistry. In: The ovary (S. Zuckermann, ed.), Vol. 1, Chap. 3. New York: Academic Press 1962

    Google Scholar 

  • Lennep, E.W. van, Madded, L.P.: Electron microscopic observations on the involution of the corpus luteum of menstruation. Z. Zellforsch. 66, 365–380 (1965)

    Google Scholar 

  • Meyer, R.: Über Corpus Luteum-Bildung beim Menschen. Arch. Gynäk. 93, 354–404 (1911)

    Google Scholar 

  • Momigliano, E.: Sulla genesi del corpo luteo nella donna. Ric. Morf. (Roma) 6, 1–78 (1927)

    Google Scholar 

  • Mossman, H.W., Duke, K.L.: Comparative morphology of the mammalian ovary. Madison Wisconsin: University of Wisconsin Press 1973

    Google Scholar 

  • Motta, G.: Sulla funzione dell apparato luteofollicolare e sui rapporti tra il ciclo ovanco e quello endometriale. Arch. Ostet. Ginec. 16, 260–341 (1929)

    Google Scholar 

  • Motta, P.: Electron microscopic study of the human lutein cell with special reference to its secretory activity. Z. Zellforsch. 98, 233–245 (1969)

    Google Scholar 

  • Motta, P.: Superficial epithelium and surface evaginations in the cortex of mature rabbit ovaries. A note on the histogenesis of the interstitial cells. Fertil. and Steril. 25, 336–347 (1974)

    Google Scholar 

  • Motta, P., Andrews, P.M.: Scanning electron microscopy of the endometrium during the secretory phase. J. Anat. (Lond.) 122, 315–322 (1976)

    Google Scholar 

  • Motta, P., Cherney, D.D., DiDio, L.J.A.: Scanning and transmission electron microscopy of the ovarian surface in mammals with special reference to ovulation. J. submicr. Cytol. 3, 85–100 (1971a)

    Google Scholar 

  • Motta, P., Porter, K.R.: Structure of the rat sinusoids and associated tissue spaces as revealed by scanning electron microscopy. Z. Zellforsch. 148, 111–125 (1974)

    Google Scholar 

  • Motta, P., Takeva, Z., Nesci, E.: Etude ultrastructurale et histochimique des rapports entre les cellules folliculaires et l'ovocyte pendant le développment du follicule ovarie che les mammifères. Acta anat. (Basel) 80, 537–562 (1971b)

    Google Scholar 

  • Motta, P., Van Blerkom, J.: A scanning electron microscopic study of the luteo-follicular complex. I. Follicle and oocyte. J. submicr. Cytol. 6, 297–310 (1974)

    Google Scholar 

  • Motta, P., Van Blerkom, J.: A scanning electron microscopic study of the luteo-follicular complex. II. Events leading to ovulation. Amer. J. Anat. 143, 241–264 (1975)

    Google Scholar 

  • Motta, P., Van Blerkom, J.: Structure and ultrastructure of the Graafian follicle. In: Human ovulation: Mechanisms, prediction, detection and regulation (E.S.E. Hafez, ed.). The Netherlands: North Holland/Elsevier (in press)

  • Parr, M.B., Parr, E.L.: Uterine lumen epithelium: Protrusions mediate endocytosis not apocrine secretion in the rat. Biol. Reprod. 11, 220–233 (1974)

    Google Scholar 

  • Pratt, J.P.: The human corpus luteum. Arch. Path. Lab. Med. 19, 380–545 (1935)

    Google Scholar 

  • Watzka, A.M.: Weibliche Genitalorgane. Das Ovarium. In: Handbuch der Mikroskopischen Anatomie des Menschen (Bargmann, ed.), Vol. 7, pp. 1–178. Berlin-Göttingen-Heidelberg: Springer 1957

    Google Scholar 

  • Zuckerman, S.: The ovary. New York: Academic Press 1962

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, University of Colorado, Boulder, Colorado, USA

    Jonathan Van Blerkom

  2. Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Rome, Rome, Italy

    Pietro Motta

Authors
  1. Jonathan Van Blerkom
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Pietro Motta
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Additional information

This work was supported by grants from the National Institutes of Health, Public Health Service (to J.V.B., no. HD-04274), and from Consiglio Nationale delle Ricerche (C.N.R., contracts nos. CT 76.01288.04 and CT 77.01921.4)

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Van Blerkom, J., Motta, P. A scanning electron microscopic study of the luteo-follicular complex. Cell Tissue Res. 189, 131–153 (1978). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00223125

Download citation

  • Accepted:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00223125

Key words

Search

Navigation