Surface morphology of the perfused rabbit ovary

Using transmission electron microscopy we examined the morphology of the surface epithelium of the isolated and perfused rabbit ovary after an ovulatory dose of HCG. Rupture of follicles occurred in vitro approximately 13 h after HCG-injection and 6 h after the start of perfusion. The ultrastructural changes during the perfusion were similar to those occurring in vivo. The perfused ovarian epithelium had villous processes of varied architectural complexity with squamoid and cuboid epithelial cells. The superficial cells contained pinocytotic vesicles, coated and noncoated endocytotic caveolae, and occasional vacuoles. Dense bodies were more commonly found in vitro than in vivo. Occasionally structures similar to "Call-Exner-bodies" were found on the surface epithelium near to preovulatory follicles. Intercellular spaces of various sizes were also numerous. Disappearance of surface epithelium in the apex of follicles was often observed and the matrix of the tunica albuginea consisted of dissociated fibers and degenerating cells. This study showed that the isolated perfused rabbit ovary can serve as a model for studying the biology and pathology of ovarian surface epithelium.