scholarly journals Electron Microscopic Studies on Ovarian Oocytes and Unfertilized Tubal Ova in the Rat

1960 ◽  
Vol 7 (3) ◽  
pp. 567-574 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. Louise Odor
Keyword(s):  
Granulosa Cells ◽  
Plasma Membranes ◽  
Developmental Stages ◽  
Structural Characteristics ◽  
Polar Body ◽  
Electron Microscopic ◽  
Space Forms ◽  
First Polar Body ◽  
The Matrix ◽  
Microscopic Studies

Developing rat ova have been studied with the electron microscope. Special attention was paid to relations of ova to the granulosa cells, the developmental stages of ovarian follicles, and the cytology of the unfertilized tubal ova. The relationship of the oocyte to the surrounding granulosa cells was found to change from one of a simple apposition of the plasma membranes to a complex interdigitation of microvilli from the ovular surface and processes from the granulosa cells extending into the matrix of the zona pellucida. This complex interrelation is maintained until the formation of the first polar body is initiated. At this time no microvilli are found and the oolemma presents a gently undulating outline. Also at this time, a perivitelline space forms and the granulosa cell processes retract. In the unfertilized tubal ova no microvilli are present and the processes of the follicular cells are completely withdrawn. The cytoplasmic elements of the oocyte in various stages of development are described in some detail. Of particular interest is the change noted in position and degree of aggregation of the Golgi complex as maturation proceeds. The distribution and structural characteristics of the mitochondria, ergastoplasm, dense particles, and multivesicular bodies are described.

scholarly journals Platelet Satellitism

Blood ◽  
1974 ◽  
Vol 43 (6) ◽  
pp. 831-836 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carl R. Kjeldsberg ◽  
John Swanson
Keyword(s):  
Polymorphonuclear Leukocytes ◽  
Plasma Membranes ◽  
Clinical Importance ◽  
Electron Microscopic ◽  
Normal Platelet ◽  
Microscopic Studies ◽  
Platelet Satellitism ◽  
Platelet Functions

Abstract Platelet adherence to polymorphonuclear leukocytes, or so-called platelet satellitism, has, to our knowledge, been reported in only four patients. We had the opportunity to study this phenomenon in two patients. Platelet satellitism was only seen in EDTA anticoagulated blood, and the platelets were seen to surround polymorphonuclear leukocytes only. Electron microscopic studies demonstrated focally opposed regions of platelet and neutrophil plasma membranes. Phagocytosis of platelets was also observed. In vivo and in vitro platelet functions were normal. Platelet satellitism is an in vitro phenomenon, the cause of which is unknown. We are unable to relate it to functional abnormalitles of the blood, the clinical condition of the patient, or to drugs. This phenomenon has some clinical importance in that it causes spurious thrombocytopenia.

scholarly journals SYNAPTIC STRUCTURES IN THE LATERAL LINE CANAL ORGAN OF THE TELEOST FISH LOTA VULGARIS

1962 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 337-343 ◽  
Author(s):  
Åke Flock ◽  
Jan Wersäll
Keyword(s):  
Hair Cell ◽  
Lateral Line ◽  
Teleost Fish ◽  
Plasma Membranes ◽  
Sensory Epithelium ◽  
Electron Microscopic ◽  
Lateral Line Canal ◽  
Cell Plasma ◽  
Microscopic Studies ◽  
Synaptic Structures

This paper is a preliminary report on some of the results of electron microscopic studies on the lateral line canal organ of the teleost fish Lota vulgaris. It deals with the ultrastructure of the synaptic area on the hair cells of the sensory epithelium and describes the nerve endings as well as a complicated system of foldings of the hair cell plasma membranes enclosing portions of the hair cell cytoplasm in the synaptic area. These findings are discussed in the light of present knowledge of the ultrastructure of other receptoneuronal synapses.

Cyclic nucleotides regulate oocyte meiotic maturation and quality in mammals

2020 ◽  
Vol 3 ◽  
pp. 1
Author(s):  
Anumegha Gupta ◽  
Meenakshi Tiwari ◽  
Alka Sharma ◽  
Ashutosh N. Pandey ◽  
Pramod K. Yadav ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Granulosa Cells ◽  
Cyclic Nucleotides ◽  
Polar Body ◽  
The Other ◽  
Meiotic Maturation ◽  
Fetal Life ◽  
Other Hand ◽  
Oocyte Meiosis ◽  
First Polar Body ◽  
High Level

Oocyte meiosis is a prolong series of events that are comprised several intermittent channels in mammals. Oocyte meiosis starts during fetal life and then gets arrested at diplotene stage of first meiotic prophase in follicular oocyte. The continuous transfer of cyclic adenosine 3’, 5’-monophosphate (cAMP) and cyclic guanosine 3’, 5’-monophosphate (cGMP) from encircling granulosa cells to the oocyte through gap junctions helps in the maintenance of their high level required to achieve the long-lasting diplotene arrest so-called germinal vesicle stage. Phosphodiesterase inhibitors have been used to elevate intracellular level of both cyclic nucleotides and prevent spontaneous resumption of meiosis in oocytes under in vitro culture conditions. On the other hand, disruption of gap junction either by pituitary gonadotropin or by physical removal of encircling granulosa cells interrupts transfer of these nucleotides to the oocyte. As a result, intraoocyte cAMP as well as cGMP levels are decreased drastically that initiate downstream pathways to destabilize maturation-promoting factor (MPF). The destabilized MPF initiates meiotic resumption from diplotene arrest in mammalian oocytes. Oocyte meiosis further progresses from metaphase I to metaphase II stage and extrudes first polar body to get converted into haploid female gamete at the time of ovulation. Indeed, high level of cAMP as well as cGMP levels maintains diplotene arrest for a long time in follicular oocytes. On the other hand, transient decrease of their levels drives resumption from diplotene arrest, thereby meiotic maturation process, which enables oocyte to achieve developmental competency. Any defect in this process directly affects oocyte quality and thereby reproductive outcome in mammals including human.

scholarly journals Glycogen synthase kinase 3B in bovine oocytes and granulosa cells: possible involvement in meiosis during in vitro maturation

Reproduction ◽  
2009 ◽  
Vol 138 (2) ◽  
pp. 235-246 ◽  
Author(s):  
Svetlana Uzbekova ◽  
Mohamad Salhab ◽  
Christine Perreau ◽  
Pascal Mermillod ◽  
Joëlle Dupont
Keyword(s):  
Granulosa Cells ◽  
Map Kinases ◽  
Glycogen Synthase ◽  
Polar Body ◽  
Germinal Vesicle ◽  
Glycogen Synthase Kinase ◽  
Aurora A Kinase ◽  
Germinal Vesicle Breakdown ◽  
First Polar Body

Glycogen synthase kinase 3 (GSK3) regulates cellular metabolism and cell cycle via different signalling pathways. In response to insulin and growth factors GSK3 is serine-phosphorylated and inactivated. We analysed GSK3B expression and activation in bovine cumulus cells (CC) and oocytes at different meiotic stagesin vitroin parallel with MAP kinases ERK (MAPK3/MAPK1) and p38 (MAPK14). GSK3B localised to cytoplasm in granulosa cells and in oocytes throughout folliculogenesis. In mature metaphase-II (MII) oocytes, GSK3B was concentrated to the region of midzone between the oocyte and the first polar body, as well as active phospho-Thr Aurora A kinase (AURKA). Duringin vitromaturation (IVM), in oocytes, phospho-Ser9-GSK3B level increased as well as phospho-MAPK3/MAPK1, while phospho-MAPK14 decreased. In CC, phospho-MAPK14 increased upon germinal vesicle breakdown (GVBD)/metaphase-I (MI) and then decreased during transition to MII. Administration of inhibitors of GSK3 activity (lithium chloride or 2′Z,3′E -6-bromoindirubin-3′-oxime) rapidly increased phospho-Ser9-GSK3B, and led to transient decrease of phospho-MAPK3/MAPK1 and to durable enhancing of phospho-MAPK14 in granulosa primary cell culture. GSK3 inhibitors during IVM diminished cumulus expansion and delayed meiotic progression. In cumulus, phospho-MAPK14 level was significantly higher in the presence of inhibitors, comparing with control, through the time of MI/MII transition. In oocytes, phospho-GSK3B was increased and phospho-MAPK3/MAPK1 was decreased before GVBD and oocytes were mainly arrested at MI. Therefore, GSK3B might regulate oocyte meiosis, notably MI/MII transition being the part of MAPK3/1 and MAPK14 pathways in oocytes and CC. GSK3B might be also involved in the local activation of AURKA that controls this transition.

Role of cell adhesion in contact-dependent transfer of a lysosomal enzyme from lymphocytes to fibroblasts

1986 ◽  
Vol 85 (1) ◽  
pp. 231-244
Author(s):  
I. Olsen ◽  
T. Oliver ◽  
H. Muir ◽  
R. Smith ◽  
T. Partridge
Keyword(s):  
Lysosomal Enzyme ◽  
Plasma Membranes ◽  
Fibroblast Cell ◽  
Active Role ◽  
Electron Microscopic ◽  
High Frequencies ◽  
Transmission Electron ◽  
Cell Enzyme ◽  
Microscopic Studies

Normal lymphocytes were found to adhere strongly to monolayer cultures of fibroblasts deficient in the lysosomal enzyme, beta-glucuronidase. During this co-culture, the fibroblasts acquired from the lymphocytes substantial amounts of this enzyme, which often accumulated at sites of contact between the two types of cell. Enzyme transfer was prevented by addition to the co-cultures either of purified lymphocyte plasma membranes or of antibody raised against such plasma membranes, but it was not inhibited by the addition of antibody raised against lymphocyte-derived beta-glucuronidase. An active role for the lymphocyte in this contact-dependent process was suggested by interference contrast, immunofluorescence and scanning electron-microscopic studies. These revealed extensive arrays of projections of the lymphocyte that ramified over the fibroblast cell surface. By transmission electron microscopy, conspicuous clusters of micropinocytotic vesicles were evident in the cytoplasm of the ‘recipient’ fibroblasts, subjacent to the surface in regions closely apposed to adherent lymphocytes. Such high frequencies of these vesicles were restricted to sites of lymphocyte-fibroblast contact, suggesting that they may play an important part in the transfer of enzyme between these two types of cell.

scholarly journals Intercellular Bridges as Protoplasmic Anastomoses between Smooth Muscle Cells

1959 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 67-70 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. C. Thaemert
Keyword(s):  
Smooth Muscle ◽  
Smooth Muscle Cells ◽  
Smooth Muscle Cell ◽  
Action Potentials ◽  
Plasma Membranes ◽  
Muscular Activity ◽  
Muscle Cells ◽  
Electron Microscopic ◽  
Intercellular Bridges ◽  
Microscopic Studies

In electron microscopic studies, protoplasmic anastomoses were found to occur between smooth muscle cells in the gastrointestinal tracts of rats. The protoplasmic connections are apparently cylindrical in form and contain cytoplasm having a density similar to that of the cellular regions connected. The membranes enclosing the cytoplasmic connections are continuous with the membranes of the connected cells. These connecting structures have been called intercellular bridges, which is adequately descriptive if emphasis is placed on the interpretation that they represent protoplasmic anastomoses. To emphasize this, the term may be modified; i.e., anastomotic intercellular bridges. In some cellular connections, transverse diffuse lines are seen. These may be interpreted as either disintegrating or reforming plasma membranes which is consistent with the concept that protoplasmic continuity is transitory. Since the animals were dissected under hypothermia, reduction of muscular activity by the chilling may have helped to preserve the structure of existing anastomotic intercellular bridges. The intercellular protoplasmic anastomoses may play a role in the conduction of action potentials from one smooth muscle cell to another.

scholarly journals EVIDENCE FOR CHANGES IN PROTEIN POLYSACCHARIDE ASSOCIATED WITH THE ONSET OF CALCIFICATION IN CARTILAGE

1968 ◽  
Vol 39 (1) ◽  
pp. 43-48 ◽  
Author(s):  
Victor J. Matukas ◽  
George A. Krikos
Keyword(s):  
Electron Microscopy ◽  
Osmium Tetroxide ◽  
Marked Decrease ◽  
Uranyl Acetate ◽  
Lead Citrate ◽  
Electron Microscopic ◽  
Calcified Cartilage ◽  
The Matrix ◽  
Microscopic Studies ◽  
Matrix Components

Past work has suggested that protein polysaccharide may play a role in the calcification of cartilage. Recent electron microscopic studies on noncalcified cartilage have indicated that protein polysaccharide in cartilage matrix is represented by granules associated with collagen fibers. The present work has been designed for comparison of the matrix of noncalcified cartilage to that of calcified cartilage, with particular reference to these granules. Small blocks of tibia from 16-day embryos were fixed in cacodylate-buffered glutaraldehyde and postfixed in either phosphate- or Veronal-buffered osmium tetroxide. Special care was taken to maintain the pH above 7.0 at all times. For electron microscopy the tissues were dehydrated, embedded in Epon 812, sectioned, and stained with uranyl acetate or lead citrate. A marked decrease in the size of granules in the matrix of calcified cartilage compared to noncalcified cartilage was noted. Associated with the decrease in the size of granules was a condensation of matrix components and the presence of an amorphous electron-opaque material that was not seen in noncalcified areas. These results are interpreted to represent either a drop in concentration or a change in state of protein polysaccharide with the onset of calcification in cartilage.

scholarly journals ELECTRON MICROSCOPIC STUDIES ON THE INDIRECT FLIGHT MUSCLES OFDROSOPHILAMELANOGASTER

1963 ◽  
Vol 17 (2) ◽  
pp. 363-0373 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. Ahmad Shafiq
Keyword(s):  
Cell Membranes ◽  
Plasma Membranes ◽  
Electron Microscopic ◽  
Cytoplasmic Inclusions ◽  
Fibrillar Material ◽  
Microscopic Studies ◽  
Flight Muscles ◽  
The Individual

The differentiation of the indirect flight muscles was studied in the various pupal stages of Drosophila. Fibrillar material originates in the young basophilic myoblasts in the form of short myofilamants distributed irregularly near the cell membranes. The filaments later become grouped into bundles (fibrils). Certain "Z bodies" appear to be important during this process. The "Z bodies" may possibly be centriolar derivatives and are the precursors of the Z bands. The first formed fibrils (having about 30 thick myofilaments) are already divided into sarcomeres by Z bands. These sarcomeres, however, seem to be shorter than those of the adult fibrils.The H band differentiates in fibrils having about 40 thick myofilaments; the fibrils constrict in the middle of each sarcomere during this process. The individual myofibrils increase from about 0.3 µ to 1.5 µ in diameter during development, apparently by addition of new filaments on the periphery of the fibrils. The ribosomes seem to be the only cytoplasmic inclusions which are closely associated with these growing myofibrils. Disintegration of the plasma membranes limiting individual myoblasts was commonly seen during development of flight muscles, supporting the view that the multinuclear condition of the fibers of these muscles is due to fusion of myoblasts.

scholarly journals PHOSPHATASES OF EPIPHYSEAL CARTILAGE STUDIED BY ELECTRON MICROSCOPIC CYTOCHEMICAL METHODS

1971 ◽  
Vol 19 (12) ◽  
pp. 801-808 ◽  
Author(s):  
TATSUJI MATSUZAWA ◽  
H. CLARKE ANDERSON
Keyword(s):  
Alkaline Phosphatase ◽  
Acid Phosphatase ◽  
Plasma Membranes ◽  
Matrix Vesicles ◽  
Electron Microscopic ◽  
Previous Suggestion ◽  
Hypertrophic Zone ◽  
Dense Bodies ◽  
The Matrix ◽  
Epiphyseal Plates

The presence and distribution of alkaline phosphatase, adenosine triphosphatase (ATPase) and acid phosphatase activities in the epiphyseal plates of young mice were studied by electron microscopic cytochemical methods. Alkaline phosphatase and ATPase activities were associated with the plasma membranes of chondrocytes and with the investing membranes of matrix vesicles. These vesicles contain the earliest recognized deposits of hydroxyapatite and may promote calcification through an active process. Alkaline phosphatase and ATPase activities were greatest in the hypertrophic zone of the epiphysis, which is an area of beginning calcification. Acid phosphatase activity was demonstrable in the cytoplasm of chondrocytes in association with dense bodies which were larger than matrix vesicles and were devoid of alkaline phosphatase and ATPase activities. These cytoplasmic lysosome-like bodies were slightly more numerous in the hypertrophic zone but disappeared in the underlying zone of chondrocyte degeneration and matrix calcification. Our observations do not support a previous suggestion by others that matrix vesicles represent lysosomes. The presence of ATPase and alkaline phosphatase is compatible with an enzymatic calcium- and/or phosphate-concentrating mechanism in the matrix vesicles.

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