ISSN:
1432-0878
Keywords:
Ovum
;
Mouse
;
Membranes
;
Electron microscopy
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Biology
,
Medicine
Notes:
Summary Ultrastructural studies have revealed the presence of unusual membrane complexes within developing mouse oocytes. These structures, most obvious 18 days post fertilization, are found in the nucleus or cytoplasm of cells in meiotic prophase. The complexes, usually found in small groups, are characterized by a slightly bowed appearance, and a thin middle section that is vesiculated at each end. At high magnification the middle section exhibits a pentalaminar structure similar to tight junctional complexes, while the looped membranes of the vesiculated ends are trilaminar in appearance. In addition to being free in the nucleoplasm or cytoplasm, the complexes are also seen in continuity with the inner and outer leaflets of the nuclear envelope, and with typical membranes forming cytoplasmic tubular systems. The possible formation of these complexes from blebs or vesicles derived from the nuclear envelope is presented and the role that these structures may play in developing oocytes is discussed.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF00307427
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