Surface ultrastructure of functional and nonfunctional human ovaries

Area of Science:

• Reproductive biology
• Cell biology
• Gynecology

Background:

• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder.
• Ovarian morphology in PCOS is characterized by specific follicular and stromal changes.
• The superficial epithelium's role in PCOS pathophysiology requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the ultrastructural changes in the ovarian superficial epithelium and granulosa cells of women with polycystic ovaries.
• To correlate observed morphological alterations with potential functional implications in PCOS.

Main Methods:

• Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to examine ovarian biopsies.
• Samples were obtained from women aged 24-56 with functional and nonfunctional polycystic ovaries.
• Critical point drying was employed for sample preparation.

Main Results:

• Ovarian superficial epithelium showed altered microvilli distribution, cell morphology, and cilia abundance in polycystic ovaries.
• Significant changes including blebbing and ruffling were observed in the epithelium of polycystic, atrophic, and sclerotic ovaries.
• Granulosa cells in developing follicles were spherical, while those in atretic follicles were flattened and irregular, lacking cytoplasmic evaginations.
• Follicles in polycystic ovaries exhibited disrupted granulosa layers with patchy cell distribution.

Conclusions:

• Ultrastructural modifications in the ovarian superficial epithelium reflect physiological and pathological changes.
• Altered granulosa cell morphology in atretic follicles may indicate impaired gonadotropic receptor function.
• Granulosa layer disruption in polycystic ovaries suggests a significant deviation from normal follicular development.