Biology of Ovarian Follicles in Mammals

ISBN-13: 9783642701566 / Angielski / Miękka / 2011 / 320 str.

S. S. Guraya

Opis

Both functions of the mammalian ovary, the endocrine and (synthesis and secretion of steroid hormones) and exocrine (production of ova), depend upon the presence and cyclic growth of follicles, as the depletion of primordial follicles from the ovary leads to cessation of these f-unctions or female reproduction in mammals, or to postmenopausal period in humans. Actually, various fertility and sterility problems at the ovarian level are related to follicles. Therefore, a thorough understanding of the biology of ovarian follicles in mammals is of fundamental interest to a wide variety of academic and scientific disciplines. Study of their structure, function, and control involves mor phology, including ultrastructure, cell biology, physiology, endocrinology, biochemis try, immunology, neurobiology and pharmacology. Zoologists take interest in comparative and evolutionary aspects of biology of ovarian follicles in many different groups of mammals. Agricultural scientists and wildlife biologists need a thorough knowledge of the biology of follicles to control more effectively fecundity in domestic animals and endangered species of mammals. Finally, clinical scientists, toxicologists and physicians want to know the normal and pathological features of ovarian follicles in women, especially in relation to health and the regulation of fertility. Having in view the great importance of studying various aspects of biology of ovarian follicles, numerous papers and reviews on several aspects of ovarian follicles are published annually in a wide variety of scientific journals."

Spis treści

I - Introduction.- II - Primordial Follicle.- A. Balbiani’s Vitelline Body.- B. Nucleus.- C. Follicle Wall.- D. Surrounding Stromal Cells.- III - Follicle Growth.- A. Oocyte.- 1. Ooplasmic Components.- 2. Protein Synthesis.- 3. Lipid Bodies.- 4. Enzymes.- 5. Cortical Granules.- a) Origin.- b) Morphology.- c) Distribution.- d) Chemistry.- 6. Deutoplasmic Inclusions.- 7. Metabolism.- 8. Distribution of Organelles and Inclusions in the Egg.- 9. Nucleus and Formation of Storage of Informational Molecules.- a) Nucleus and Nucleic Acids.- b) Proteins.- B. Zona Pellucida.- 1. Origin.- 2. Structure.- 3. Physicochemistry.- 4. Permeability.- 5. Receptors for Sperm.- 6. Antigenicity.- 7. Biological Effects of Antizona Pellucida Antibodies.- C. Morphological and Physiological Interrelationships Between the Granulosa Cells and Growing Oocyte.- E. Follicle Wall.- 1. Theca.- a) Development and Differentiation of Theca Interna (or Thecal Gland) and its Vascularity.- b) Smooth Muscle Cells.- c) Innervation.- d) Neuromuscular Relationship.- e) Enzymes.- f) Steroid Hormone Synthesis.- 2. Granulosa.- a) Granulosa Cell Origin, Multiplication and Morphology.- b) Call-Exner Bodies.- c) Plasma Membrane Specialization and Their Significance.- d) Cytological, Histochemical and Biochemical Features.- E. Basal Lamina and Transfer of Substances into the Follicle.- F. Follicular Fluid.- 1. Types and Origin.- 2. Physical Characteristics.- 3. Chemical Composition.- a) Carbohydrates and Glycoproteins.- b) Proteins.- c) Enzymes.- d) Elements.- e) Inhibitors and Stimulators.- f) Hormones.- IV - Ovum Maturation.- A. Nuclear Changes and Expulsion of Polar Bodies.- B. Cytoplasmic Changes.- C. Alterations of the Oocyte Follicle Cell Relationship (or Oocyte-Cumulus Communication).- 1. Changes In Vivo.- 2. Changes In Vitro.- D. Effects of Hormones, Drugs, and Various Other Factors on Oocyte Maturation.- 1. Gonadotropins.- 2. Cyclic Nucleotides, Prostaglandins and Hypothalamic Gonadotrophin-Releasing Hormone (GnRH).- 3. Follicular Fluid Inhibitors.- 4. Steroid Hormones.- 5. Ions and Electrolytes.- 6. Miscellaneous Factors.- E. RNA and Protein Synthesis and Other Metabolic Changes.- 1. RNA Synthesis.- 2. Protein Synthesis.- 3. Metabolic Changes.- V - Ovulation.- A. Intrafollicular Pressure and Vascular Changes.- B. Nervous, Muscular and Neuromuscular Controls.- C. Enzymatic Digestion and Morphological Alterations.- D. Role of Hormones and Prostaglandins.- VI - Luteinizatioii and Steroidogenesis in the Follicle Wall During Pre-ovulatory and Ovulatory Periods.- A. Granulosa Cells.- B. Theca Interna Cells.- C. Shift in Steroid Production in the Ovulatory Follicle.- VII - Follicular Atresia.- A. Morphology, Histochemistry, Biochemistry and Physiology.- 1. Primordial and Primary Follicles.- a) Oocyte.- b) Granulosa Cells.- 2. Secondary and Tertiary Follicles.- a) Granulosa.- b) Theca.- c) Oocyte and Zona Pellucida.- B. Factors Influencing Follicular Atresia.- 1. Hormonal and Nonhormonal Chemical Factors.- 2. Aging Factor.- 3. Ischaemia and Dietary Factors.- 4. Intra-ovarian Factors.- 5. Irradiation.- C. Significance of Follicular Atresia.- 1. Formation of Interstitial Gland Tissue and its Role in Steroidogenesis.- 2. Limiting the Number of Offspring.- 3. Decrease in Fertility.- D. General Discussion and Conclusions.- References.