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Related Experiment Videos

Hamster thecal cells express muscle characteristics.

D A Self1, P C Schroeder, A M Gown

  • 1Department of Zoology, Washington State University, Pullman 99164.

Biology of Reproduction
|August 1, 1988
PubMed
Summary

Theca externa cells in hamster follicles possess muscle-specific actins and can contract, even during proliferation. This suggests a role for contractile cells in follicular growth and development.

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Area of Science:

  • Reproductive Biology
  • Cell Biology
  • Muscle Physiology

Background:

  • Follicular wall contraction during ovulation is a coordinated event.
  • The specific cells mediating this contraction are poorly understood.
  • Theca externa cells are a key component of the follicular wall.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the presence and function of an actomyosin system in hamster theca externa cells.
  • To determine if theca externa cells contain muscle-specific actin variants.
  • To assess the contractile capabilities of theca externa cells during proliferation.

Main Methods:

  • Immunohistochemistry using a muscle-specific anti-actin antibody (HHF35).
  • Immunoblotting and 2D gel electrophoresis of theca externa cell lysates.
  • Cell culture with [3H] thymidine pulse-labeling and immunofluorescence.
  • Induction of cell contraction using calcium ionophore A23187.

Main Results:

  • Theca externa cells in developing follicles exhibit intense circumferential actin staining.
  • Muscle-specific actin isoforms (alpha and gamma) were detected in theca externa cells.
  • Cultured theca externa cells displayed contractile behavior and actin filament compaction upon ionophore stimulation.
  • Contractile theca externa cells were observed to be actively dividing.

Conclusions:

  • Hamster theca externa cells contain muscle actins from an early follicular development stage.
  • These cells possess contractile capabilities, even while proliferating.
  • Follicular growth may involve a developmental process with proliferating contractile theca externa cells.

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