Oocytes in primordial follicles of the immature cat (Felis domestica).
Primordial follicles of the immature domestic cat (Felis domestica) were examined with electron microscopic and histochemical methods. In many respects the ultrastructure of these cells was similar to that in other mammals, i.e., randomly distributed mitochondria, sometimes in close association with elements of the endoplasmic reticulum and showing a tendency to form clusters around a core of electron-dense material. More unusual were numerous lipid droplets showing contact with cisternae of the endoplasmic reticulum and club-shaped distended ends of the endoplasmic reticulum. The latter, together with membrane-bound vacuoles, must be regarded in context with the storage and transport of endogenous or exogenous materials. The oocytes lack a typical Balbiani body. Histochemical investigations revealed a strong activity of nonspecific esterase and N-acetyl-beta-glucosaminidase in the ooplasm of the primordial follicles, but no detectable reaction for acid phosphatase and beta-glucuronidase was present.
D000367:Age Factors; D000818:Animals; D002415:Cats / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D005260:Female; D008854:Microscopy, Electron; D009865:Oocytes / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D006080:Ovarian Follicle / Q000648:ultrastructure*