Oocyte growth, follicular complex formation and extracellular-matrix remodeling in ovarian maturation of the imperial zebra pleco fish Hypancistrus zebra.

This contribution describes the growth of oocytes, addressing the formation of structures that compose the follicular complex, as well as the remodeling of the extracellular matrix, specifically laminin, fibronectin and type IV collagen during gonadal maturation. Thirty-seven females of the Acari zebra fish, Hypancistrus zebra were captured and the ovaries were submitted to histological processing for light and electron microscopy and immunohistochemistry techniques. Oogonia and four stages (I - IV) of oocytes were distinguished, and structures such as the postovulatory follicle and atretic oocytes (initial and advanced atresia) were observed. The follicular complex consists of the mature oocyte, zona radiata (Zr1, Zr2 and Zr3), follicular cells, basement membrane and theca. During oocyte growth, proteins of the extracellular matrix showed different intensities of staining. Based on these observations, a model of oocyte growth is proposed to define specific characteristics of the oocyte and the remodeling of the extracellular matrix in the ovary of H. zebra. This model of oocyte growth can be extended to other species of ornamental fishes. This study contributes data for induced fertilization and eventual conservation of this species.