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Germ cell degeneration and intercellular bridges in the human fetal ovary

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Summary

Intercellular bridges between developing germ cells were observed in human fetal ovaries at 10 to 20 weeks gestation. Bridges were frequently found between cells in early stages of degeneration, with similar regressive changes being present in the conjoined cells. In advanced stages of cellular degeneration, bridges were less frequently found and were generally distorted and partially disrupted. Similarity in appearance of adjacent degenerating cells was common, even in late stages of degeneration. These observations suggest that cellular interconnection may be responsible for synchronous degeneration of germ cells during oogenesis.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Pathology, Harbor General Hospital and University of California School of Medicine, Torrance, Calif

    Bernard Gondos

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  1. Bernard Gondos
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Additional information

The author thanks Mrs. Lucy A. Conner for her valuable technical assistance. This research was supported by U.S.P.H.S. grant HD-05727.

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Gondos, B. Germ cell degeneration and intercellular bridges in the human fetal ovary. Z.Zellforsch 138, 23–30 (1973). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00307075

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00307075

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