Abstract
Cumulus-oocyte complexes were obtained from cows by aspiration of small (1-6 mm in diameter) antral follicles after slaughter. Complexes with a compact multilayered cumulus investment were cultured and processed for transmission electron microscopy after different periods of culture including a 0 h control group. In 0 h control oocytes the cumulus cells had numerous projections which penetrated the zona pellucida and established gap junctions with the oolemma. A partial loss of these junctions was noticed as an early event of oocyte maturation occurring within the first 3 h of culture. A low frequency of gap junctions was maintained until 12-18 h of culture where the junctional contact was completely disrupted. This decrease in intercellular communication was parallelled by resumption of oocyte meiosis.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Journal | Brain Structure and Function (Print Edition) |
| Volume | 176 |
| Pages (from-to) | 41-44 |
| Number of pages | 4 |
| ISSN | 1863-2653 |
| Publication status | Published - 1987 |
Keywords
- Former LIFE faculty
- Bovine
- Oocyte maturation
- Meiosis
- Gap junction
- Ultrastructure