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Structure-function relationships in the wall of the ovarian follicle.
- Source :
-
Australian journal of biological sciences [Aust J Biol Sci] 1981; Vol. 34 (4), pp. 379-94. - Publication Year :
- 1981
-
Abstract
- This paper reviews current knowledge of the light and electron microscopic structure of the three layers of the mammalian follicular wall-follicular epithelium (membrana granulosa), theca interna and theca externa--and discusses correlations between structure and function. The ultrastructure of follicular epithelial cells in growing follicles emphasized their protein synthetic and secretory functions; features suggestive of a major steroidogenic function appear only at later stages. Regional differences in follicular epithelial cell function are probably important, although structurally these cells are relatively homogeneous. Structural diversity is more marked in the thecal layers: differentiation in the theca interna is towards fibrocytic and steroidogenic cell types, while that in the theca externa is towards fibrocytic and myoid types. Adherens and gap junctions are present between cells in all layers; however, tight (occludens) junctions have not been convincingly demonstrated between the cells in any of the three layers. Blood and lymph vessels are confined to the thecal layers. However, follicles possess no structural barrier comparable to that associated with the "blood-testis barrier', and show a correspondingly greater permeability to large molecules than seminiferous tubules. Interactions between the layers of the follicular function. To date, the best-documented interaction between layers is that described in the "two-cell hypothesis' of oestrogen production. some potentially useful directions for future research are proposed.
- Subjects :
- Androgens metabolism
Animals
Capillary Permeability
Cell Nucleus ultrastructure
Cytoplasm ultrastructure
Epithelium ultrastructure
Estrogens metabolism
Female
Granulosa Cells physiology
Humans
Intercellular Junctions physiology
Luteinizing Hormone physiology
Lymphatic System ultrastructure
Muscle Contraction
Muscle, Smooth physiology
Ovarian Follicle blood supply
Ovulation
Proteins metabolism
Rats
Theca Cells physiology
Granulosa Cells ultrastructure
Ovarian Follicle physiology
Theca Cells ultrastructure
Subjects
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 0004-9417
- Volume :
- 34
- Issue :
- 4
- Database :
- MEDLINE
- Journal :
- Australian journal of biological sciences
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 7030287
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1071/bi9810379