title: Granulosa cell expression of basal lamina matrices: Call-Exner bodies and focimatrix.
abstract: A Call-Exner body appears as a rosette of granulosa cells radially disposed (polarized) around an aggregate of extracellular matrix. The function of these bodies is unknown. A newly described matrix, focimatrix, also develops as aggregates of basal lamina-like material between granulosa cells. It appears much later in follicular development, and in a far greater amount than Call-Exner bodies. Its possible role is to reduce the polarity of epithelial granulosa cells allowing them to develop into non-polarized mesenchymal luteal cells upon ovulation of the follicle. Call-Exner bodies may arise from early and isolated expression of focimatrix.
authors.affiliation: Research Centre for Reproductive Health, Department of Obstetrics and Gyneacology, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia.
authors.forename: H F
authors.initials: HF
authors.lastname: Irving-Rodgers
authors.forename: R J
authors.initials: RJ
authors.lastname: Rodgers
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001485:Basement Membrane / Q000378:metabolism / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D002417:Cattle; D002454:Cell Differentiation / Q000502:physiology*; D003338:Corpus Luteum / Q000254:growth & development / Q000378:metabolism / Q000648:ultrastructure; D005109:Extracellular Matrix / Q000378:metabolism / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D016326:Extracellular Matrix Proteins / Q000378:metabolism; D005260:Female; D006107:Granulosa Cells / Q000378:metabolism / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D008184:Luteal Cells / Q000378:metabolism / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D008648:Mesoderm / Q000378:metabolism / Q000648:ultrastructure; D046529:Microscopy, Electron, Transmission; D009866:Oogenesis / Q000502:physiology; D006080:Ovarian Follicle / Q000254:growth & development / Q000378:metabolism / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D010060:Ovulation / Q000502:physiology; D011247:Pregnancy
chemical_list: D016326:Extracellular Matrix Proteins