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Ultrastructural studies on the preovulatory follicle in the mouse ovary

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Summary

The preparation of the ovulation gap in the preovulatory follicle in the mouse ovary occurs within 1–2 hours before ovulation. The luteinization of the granulosa cells which starts about 1/2 hour before ovulation, includes changes of the E. R. from a granular to an agranular form. The mitochondrial cristae change from a laminar to a tubular form; accumulation of glycogen-like granules and intermingling of theca- and granulosa cells by cytoplasmic protrusions. The ovulation gap forms by a successive degeneration of the cell layers in the apex, except the granulosa layer, starting in the outermost layer, the epithelium. The cell degeneration is always proceeded by a marked bulging of the E. R. which results in the disintegration. The last event which must occur before the ovulation hole is formed is a separation of the cells in the single granulosa layer, which separates the follicle fluid from the peritoneal cavity.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. The Finsen Laboratory, The Finsen Institute, Copenhagen, Denmark

    Anne Grete Sjolte Byskov

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  1. Anne Grete Sjolte Byskov
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The author wishes to thank Dr. Arne Nørrevang for many constructive and valuable discussions. For helping with the preparation of the manuscript the author is deeply indebted to Dr. Hannah Peters and Dr. K. J. Pedersen.

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Byskov, A.G.S. Ultrastructural studies on the preovulatory follicle in the mouse ovary. Z. Zellforsch. 100, 285–299 (1969). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00343884

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00343884

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