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Description of the Sex Hormone-Secreting Cells during Oocyte Development and Atresia in Flathead Grey Mullet Mugil cephalus (Mugilidae) in Al-Bardawil Lagoon, Egypt

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Abstract

The present study described the changes of steroidogenic cells accompanied the ovarian maturation in flathead grey mullet, Mugil cephalus, from Al-Bardawil lagoon. Here, five periods of ovarian development including previtellogenesis, vitellogenesis (early, mid, and late), and pre-spawning ones were successfully obtained from mullet female inhabiting Al-Bardawill lagoon. In addition, abnormal feature of atresia was noticed in the vitellogenic stages of the ovaries. In atretic follicles, the granulosa cells converted into active phagocytic cells digesting and consuming the yolk in those oocytes. The histochemical and ultrastructural observations showed that the follicular cells, theca and granulosa of the developing oocytes are the site of the sex hormones synthesis. Both theca and granulosa have manifested both quantitative and qualitative alterations concomitant during oogenesis as reflected by an obvious increase in number, size, and content of lipid droplets of those cells. In conclusion, the present observations show the histological and ultrastructural changes of steroidogenic cells during ovarian maturation and atresia of the grey mullet. This new information is essential for managing and preserving Al-Bardawil lagoon as a natural source of mullet broodstock and for achieving sustainable development for this fish.

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ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

We are extremely grateful to Professor Shaaban Mousa (Klinik fur Anaesthesiologie, Charite-Uńiversitatsmedi-zin Berlin) for critical review of the manuscript.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. National Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries (NIOF), Cairo, Egypt

    M. A. Mousa & N. A. Khalil

  2. Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Menoufia University, Shbeen El Koom, Egypt

    F. A. El-Messady

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  1. M. A. Mousa
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  2. F. A. El-Messady
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Correspondence to M. A. Mousa.

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Statement on the welfare of humans or animals. Fish handling was revised and confirmed by the Committee for Institutional Care of Aquatic Organisms and Experimental Animals at National Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries (Certificate number or code: NIOF-AQ5-F-22-R-020). All applicable international, national, and/or institutional guidelines for the care and use of animals were followed.

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Mousa, M.A., El-Messady, F.A. & Khalil, N.A. Description of the Sex Hormone-Secreting Cells during Oocyte Development and Atresia in Flathead Grey Mullet Mugil cephalus (Mugilidae) in Al-Bardawil Lagoon, Egypt. J. Ichthyol. 63, 513–523 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1134/S0032945223030104

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