The Somatic-Germ Cell Complex: Interactions and Transformations in Relation to Oocyte Maturation

Abstract

In recent years considerable interest has been focused on elucidating the mechanisms which control the multifaceted processes involved in reinitiation and mediation of oocyte differentiation from the stage of meiotic prophase I arrest. Although detailed information is incomplete, considerable controversy exists concerning the specific and unique nature of these mechanisms in mammalian as contrasted to non-mammalian species (1,2). In general these differences relate to the following: 1) whether oocyte maturation is under the positive or negative external control of specific molecules, 2) the chemical nature of these molecules, and 3) the nature and role of somatic-germ cell interactions as contrasted to the independent functions of these cells.