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Bovine cumulus-corona cells in maturing oocytes. A scanning electron microscopic study
C Verlengia1, S A Nottola, E Bellachioma
1Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Rome La Sapienza, Italy.
Summary
Scanning electron microscopy revealed distinct surface changes in bovine cumulus-corona cells during oocyte maturation. Immature oocytes had compact cells with microvilli, while mature oocytes showed enlarged spaces and fewer microvilli.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Biology
- Cell Biology
- Veterinary Science
Background:
- Cumulus-corona cells play a crucial role in oocyte maturation.
- Understanding their structural changes is vital for reproductive research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To detail the ultrastructural surface changes of bovine cumulus-corona cells during oocyte maturation.
- To correlate these morphological changes with the maturation process.
Main Methods:
- Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was employed.
- Analysis of cumulus-corona cell complexes from immature and mature bovine oocytes.
Main Results:
- Immature oocyte complexes exhibited compact cells with narrow intercellular spaces and numerous filiform microvilli.
- Mature oocyte complexes showed enlarged intercellular spaces filled with extracellular matrix.
- Mature oocyte surfaces featured occasional large cytoplasmic protrusions, fewer microvilli, and numerous blebs.
Conclusions:
- Bovine oocyte maturation is associated with significant ultrastructural alterations in surrounding cumulus-corona cells.
- These changes, including extracellular matrix accumulation and altered cell surface morphology, are indicative of cellular remodeling during maturation.