On the structural changes of granulosa cells cultured in vitro. Histochemical, ultrastructural and stereological...

Granulosa cells from porcine ovarian follicles were cultured in vitro in standard medium and in medium supplemented with HCG. After culture the cellular 3 beta HSD enzymatic activity was evaluated and the cells were studied by TEM and SEM. A stereological evaluation of the smooth and rough endoplasmic reticulum was carried out. The results indicate that the cultured cells undergo a luteinization process which is more evident in the presence of HCG. In fact, in comparison with the controls, in these cells the enzymatic activity is higher, the rough endoplasmic reticulum decreases and the smooth endoplasmic reticulum increases, the cytoplasm shows lipid droplets and vesicular mitochondria. The cell surface develops a number of microvillus-like evaginations.