The correlation of fine structure with endocrine function of ovarian follicle cells in tadpoles.
Electron microscopic study of the ovaries of metamorphosing Rana catesbeiana tadpoles stimulated by anterior pituitary implantation revealed striking alterations of several organelles in the follicle cells and oocytes when compared with the controls. Pituitary implantation caused activation of the follicle cells as shown by activation of mitochondria, voluminous Golgi complexes, mobilization of the lipid droplets, increased rough endoplasmic reticulum, and increased numbers of glycogen granules. Activation of oocyte mitochondria was also observed. These findings are discussed with respect to the correlation of the ultrastructure and endocrine function in the tadpole ovaries.
D000818:Animals; D003593:Cytoplasm / Q000648:ultrastructure; D004702:Endocrine Glands / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D007814:Larva / Q000648:ultrastructure; D008675:Metamorphosis, Biological; D008854:Microscopy, Electron; D008928:Mitochondria / Q000648:ultrastructure; D006080:Ovarian Follicle / Q000648:ultrastructure; D010053:Ovary / Q000502:physiology / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D010902:Pituitary Gland / Q000637:transplantation; D011892:Rana catesbeiana / Q000033:anatomy & histology*