Phagocytosis of degenerating germ cells by follicle cells in fetal guinea pig ovaries.
Virus-like particles (80 mmu to 100 mmu in diameter) occur in the endoplasmic reticulum of germ cells in the ovaries of fetal guinea pigs, and are confined to this population of cells. Using these particles as a marker, the phagocytosis of degenerating germ cells by somatic cells in the cortex of the ovary was traced.
D000818:Animals; D004721:Endoplasmic Reticulum / Q000648:ultrastructure; D005260:Female; D005333:Fetus; D005854:Germ Cells / Q000648:ultrastructure; D005865:Gestational Age; D006107:Granulosa Cells / Q000502:physiology*; D006168:Guinea Pigs; D008297:Male; D008928:Mitochondria / Q000648:ultrastructure; D006080:Ovarian Follicle / Q000502:physiology*; D010053:Ovary / Q000196:embryology*; D010587:Phagocytosis; D012708:Sertoli Cells / Q000648:ultrastructure; D013737:Testis / Q000196:embryology; D014780:Viruses