Ultrastructural and histochemical investigations of Call-Exner bodies in rabbit Graafian follicles.
In a histological survey of 19 mammalian species, Call-Exner bodies of conventional size and appearance were found in only 5, namely, human, rhesus monkey, rabbit, guinea-pig and sheep. Rabbit ovaries were used for characterizing these bodies using quantitative histochemistry, lectin binding and electron microscopy. Call-Exner bodies were topographically distinct lacunae of the extracellular space probably containing hyaluronic acid with proteoglycan complexes. The staining characteristics of the antrum and Call-Exner bodies were generally similar. However, in contrast to the antrum, the smaller lacunae contained suspended filaments with a distinctive peripheral membrane upon which a rosette of granulosa cells was resting. The membrane and narrow intercellular clefts probably prevent much exchange of large glycosaminoglycan complexes with the antrum. The origin and significance of Call-Exner bodies require further study, but it is clear that they are associated with secretion rather than with necrosis as sometimes suggested.
Gosden
R G
RG
Department of Physiology, University Medical School, Edinburgh, UK.
Brown
N
N
Grant
K
K
D000818:Animals; D005110:Extracellular Space; D005260:Female; D006107:Granulosa Cells / Q000648:ultrastructure; D008830:Microbodies / Q000378:metabolism / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D008854:Microscopy, Electron; D006080:Ovarian Follicle / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D011817:Rabbits