The follicular oocyte and its granulosa cells in domestic pig

Summary Pig oocytes and their surrounding granulosa cells obtained from mature Graafian follicles at a stipulated time near to ovulation were studied in some details electronmicroscopically. Particular emphasis is given to the corona radiata cell processes and to the heterogeneous population of mitochondria in the oocyte.The corona radiata cell processes contain various components such as filaments, mitochondria, multivesicular bodies and lipid droplets in their matrix. The contact relationship of the corona radiata cell processes to the oocytes is maintained by desmosomes. Usually, the two parallel surface membranes forming the desmosome are separated by a space of about 200 Å. Occasionally, the two membranes approximate each other to form a junction having a gap of about 70 Å. Apparently the membranes become fused in some regions.Of particular interest is the distribution and structural characteristics of the single-membrane-bounded structures, and their relationship to the cytomembranes and the mitochondria. On the basis of the present and earlier (Norberg, 1972) observations, the question arises whether the formation and development of mitochondria of pig oocytes depend, at least partly, on a metamorphosis of single-membrane-bounded structures derived from less complex membraneous elements. Final conclusions concerning this problem demand integrated morphological and biochemical investigation regarding the biosynthesis of mitochondria.This work was supported by the Agricultural Research Council of Norway.