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Histogenesis of atretic ovarian follicles in a seasonally breeding bird
Author(s) -
Erpino Michael J.
Publication year - 1973
Publication title -
journal of morphology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.652
H-Index - 74
eISSN - 1097-4687
pISSN - 0362-2525
DOI - 10.1002/jmor.1051390207
Subject(s) - biology , atresia , histogenesis , follicle , stromal cell , theca , population , histology , endocrinology , medicine , andrology , anatomy , immunohistochemistry , immunology , cancer research , genetics , environmental health
Histologic examination of ovaries from a non‐migratory population of scrub jays ( Aphelocoma coerulescens ) disclosed a marked annual cycle in the incidence of atresia. Atretic follicles became more common as the nesting season progressed and were most abundant immediately after the cessation of breeding. Atresia involved a dissociation of granulosa cells and movement of these cells into the follicle. Subsequently, granulosa cells showed steatogenesis and ultimately disappeared simultaneously with the invasion of the follicle by ex‐thecal gland cells. The data suggest that the diverse histology of avian atretic follicles reflects different stages in the process of atresia rather than multiple origins. Ovarian stromal glands apparently arise both from ex‐thecal gland cells of atretic follicles and stromal connective tissue. A possible secretory role of atretic follicles is considered.