Morphological Differentiation of the Microvasculature During Follicular Development, Ovulation and Luteinization of Mouse Ovaries |
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| Authors: | Kohji Shimoda Eimei Sato Toshiaki Tanaka Tatsuo Takeya Yutaka Toyoda |
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| Institution: | Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606, Japan;Department of Reproductive and Developmental Biology, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Minato-ku, Tokyo 108, Japan;Institute of Chemical Research, Kyoto University, Uji 611, Japan |
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| Abstract: | The chronological changes of the microvasculature during follicular development, ovulation and luteinization of mouse ovaries were examined by observation of serial histological sections, lectin angiographs and resin-corrosion casts. Graafian follicles possessing oocytes with germinal vesicles were surrounded by a few layers of basket-like capillary wreath adjacent to the follicular basement membrane. Just before ovulation 11–12 hr after hCG administration, some theca cells differentiated into hypertrophic cells, and the follicular basement membrane underwent fragmentation. Then the capillaries within the theca interna became dilated, and hyperpermeable and appeared to be injured. The capillary wreath extended into the follicle via the hypertrophied theca interna. After ovulation, the follicular wall became markedly edematous. Capillary branches invaded the granulosa cell layer of the ruptured follicle from the region of extravasation to form an intricate capillary network. The capillary network occupied the whole corpus luteum until 24 hr after hCG administration. |
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