Summary
The in vivo and in vitro development of the zona pellucida as well as the vitelline membrane surface of oocytes isolated from juvenile mice aged between 8 and 30 days p.p. were investigated by scanning electron microscopy.
In vivo a consistent development of the zona pellucida surface can be observed, namely the formation of a fibrous network like structure interspersed with numerous pores.
After enzymatic removal of the zona pellucida the surface of the vitelline membrane was studied. In “normal” oocytes with intact germinal vesicles, microvilli were distributed over the entire oocyte surface in all age groups investigated. After resumption of meiosis in vitro a characteristic differentiation on the vitelline membrane occurs. A glabrous polar region appears in primary oocytes and a glabrous polar body in secondary oocytes.
The same differentiation in surface organization could be observed in the in vivo precociously matured oocytes.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Dudkiewicz AB, Williams WL (1977) Fine structural observations of the mammalian zona pellucida by scanning electron microscopy. IITRI/SEM II p 317
Eager DD, Johnson MH, Thurkley KW (1976) Ultrastructural studies on the surface membrane of the mouse egg. J Cell Sci 22:345
Hadek R (1965) The structure of the mammalian egg. Int Rev Cytol 18:29
Henizmann U, Kratchovil J (1975) Rasterelektronenmikroskopische Studie an Eizellen von Mäusen. Beitr elektronenmikroskop Direktabb Oberfl 8:737
Merchant H, Chang MC (1971) An electron microscopic study of mouse eggs matured in vivo and in vitro. Ant Rec 171:21
Muller LL, Jack TJ (1975) Rapid chemical dehydration of samples for electron microscopic examinations. J Histochem Cytochem 23:107
Nicosia SV, Wolf DP, Inoue M (1977) Cortical granule distribution and cell surface characteristics in mouse eggs. Dev Biol 77:56
Odor DL (1960) Electron microscopic studies on ovarian oocytes and unfertilized tubal ova in the rat. J Biophys Biochem Cytol 7:567
Sotelo JR, Porter KR (1959) An electron microscope study of the rat ovum. J Biophys Biochem Cytol 5:327
Szollosi D (1979) Morphological changes in mouse eggs due to aging in the Fallopian Tube. Am J Anat 130:209
Wabik-Sliz B, Kujat R (1979) The surface of oocytes from two inbred strains differing in efficiency of fertilization, as revealed by scanning electron microscopy. Biol Reprod 20:405
Wassarman PM, Josefowicz WJ (1978) Oocyte development in the mouse: An ultrastructural comparison of oocytes isolated at various stages of growth and meiotic competence. J Morphol 156:209
v. Weymarn N, Guggenheim R, Müller Hj (1980) Cytogenetic investigations on development and degeneration of oocytes from juvenile mice. Anat Embryol 161:9–18
Zamboni L (1970) Ultrastructure of mammalian oocytes and ova. Biol Reprod 2:Suppl 2, 44
Zamboni L (1972) Comparative studies on the ultrastructure of mammalian oocytes. In: JD Biggers and AW Schütz. Oogenesis. p 32 University Park Press Baltimore
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
von Weymarn, N., Guggenheim, R. & Müller, H. Surface characteristics of oocytes from juvenile mice as observed in the scanning electron microscope. Anat Embryol 161, 19–27 (1980). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00304666
Accepted:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00304666