Summary
An electron microscope study of developing mouse oocytes has revealed a close morphological relationship between mitochondria and endoplasmic reticulum. In many instances, it was noted that the outer mitochondrial membrane was continuous with the reticular membranes. These cytoplasmic membranes are smooth or studded with ribosomes. These continuities establish an open channel between the endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria. Similar connections are also found in isolated preparations of mitochondria from the adult guinea pig ovary. The functional significance of these observations are discussed in relation to biochemical studies which demonstrate a transfer of protein from endoplasmic reticulum to mitochondria.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Adams, E. C., and A. T. Hertig: Studies on guinea pig oocytes. I. Electron microscopic observations on the development of cytoplasmic organelles in oocytes of primordial and primary follicles. J. Cell Biol. 21, 397–427 (1964).
André, J.: Contribution à la connaissance du chondriome. Etude de ses modifications ultrastructurales pendant la spermatogénèse. J. Ultrastruct. Res., Suppl. 3, 7–185 (1962).
Bowman, R. W.: Mitochondrial connections in canine myocardium. Tex. Rep. Biol. Med. 25, 517–524 (1967).
Caro, L. C., and G. E. Palade: Protein synthesis, storage, and discharge in the pancreatic exocrine cell. An autoradiographic study. J. Cell Biol. 20, 473–495 (1964).
Cohere, G. C., C. Brechenmacher, and G. Mayer: Variations des ultrastructures de la cellule lutéale chez la ratte au cours de la grossesse. J. Microscopie 6, 657–670 (1967).
Droz, B.: Synthèse et transfert des protéins cellulaires dans les neurones ganglionnaires. Etude radioautographique quantitative en microscopie électronique. J. Microscopie 6, 201–228 (1967).
Freeman, J. A., and B. O. Spurlock: A new epoxy embedment for electron microscopy. J. Cell Biol. 13, 437–443 (1962).
Haldar, D., K. B. Freeman, and T. S. Work: Site of synthesis of mitochondrial proteins in Krebs II ascites-tumor cells. Biochem. J. 102, 684–690 (1967).
Hertig, A. T., and E. C. Adams: Studies on the human oocyte and its follicle. I. Ultrastructural and histochemical observations on the primordial follicle stage. J. Cell Biol. 34, 647–675 (1967).
Kadenbach, B.: Synthesis of mitochondrial proteins: demonstrations of a transfer of proteins from microsomes into mitochondria. Biochim. biophys. Acta (Amst.) 134, 430–442 (1966).
Lehninger, A. L.: Active ion translocation in mitochondria. In: The Mitochondrion, p. 157–179. New York: W. A. Benjamin, Inc. 1965.
Porter, K. R.: The ground substance: observations from electron microscopy. In: The Cell (J. Brachet and A. E. Mirsky, eds.), vol. 2, p. 621–675. New York and London: Academic Press 1961.
Reynolds, E. S.: The use of lead citrate at high pH as an electron opaque stain in electron microscopy. J. Cell Biol. 17, 208–213 (1963).
Robertson, J. D.: Cell membranes and the origin of mitochondria. In: Regional Neurochemistry (S. S. Ketz and J. Elkes, eds.), p. 497–530. New York: Pergamon Press 1961.
Roodyn, D. B.: Protein synthesis in mitochondria. 3. The controlled disruption and subfractionation of mitochondria labeled in vitro with radioactive valine. Biochem. J. 85, 177–189 (1962).
— J. W. Suttie, and T. S. Work: Protein synthesis in mitochondria. 2. Rate of incorporation in vitro of radioactive amino acids into soluble proteins in the mitochondrial fraction, including catalase, malic dehydrogenase, and cytochrome C. Biochem. J. 83, 29–40 (1962).
Simpson, M. B., D. M. Skinner, and J. M. Lucas: On the biosynthesis of cytochrome C. J. biol. Chem. 236, PC 81 (1961).
Truman, D. E. S.: The fractionation of proteins from ox-heart mitochondria labeled in vitro with radioactive amino acids. Biochem. J. 91, 59–64 (1964).
Watson, M. L.: Staining of tissue sections for electron microscopy with heavy metals. J. biophys. biochem. Cytol. 4, 475–478 (1958).
Weakley, B. S.: Light and electron microscopy of developing germ cells and follicle cells in the ovary of the golden hamster; twenty-four hours before birth to eight days post partum. J. Anat. (Lond.) 101, 435–459 (1967).
Wischnitzer, S.: Intramitochondrial transformations during oocyte maturation in the mouse. J. Morph. 121, 29–46 (1967).
Yamada, E., T. Muta, A. Motomura, and H. Koga: The fine structure of the ocyte in the mouse ovary studied with electron microscope. Kurume med. J. 4, 148–171 (1957).
Zamboni, L., and L. Mastroianni: Electron microscopic studies on rabbit ova. I. The follicular oocyte. J. Ultrastruct. Res. 14, 95–117 (1966).
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Ruby, J.R., Dyer, R.F. & Skalko, R.G. Continuities between mitochondria and endoplasmic reticulum in the mammalian ovary. Z. Zellforsch. 97, 30–37 (1969). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00331868
Received:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00331868