A histological and ultrastructural study of gland cells in the ovary of the sexually immature ostrich (struthio camelus)
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Date
2011
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Publisher
Asian journal of biological sciences
Abstract
The present study investigated the morphology of gland cells in the ovary of the sexually
immature ostrich. Ovarian tissue samples were collected from slaughtered birds in commercial
ostrich abattoir in South Africa. Tissue specimens were immersion fixed in 10% buffered formalin
and processed routinely for light microscope. Additional samples were fixed in gluteraldehyde and
processed for electron microscopy using standard techniques. Type I and II thecal gland cells were
identified in both healthy and atretic follicles. Interstitial gland cells were observed in atretic
follicles. Type I thecal gland cells contained oval-shaped heterochromatic nuclei surrounded by
scant cytoplasm. Mitochondria, filamentous bundles and a few lipid droplets were observed in the
cytoplasm. The type II thecal gland cells contained round nuclei located centrally. The cytoplasm
in these cells contained materials of an intermediate electron density. Numerous lipid droplets and
a few mitochondria were observed in the cytoplasm. The interstitial gland cells contained
eccentrically located heterochromatic nuclei and numerous lipid droplets. The results of this study
indicate that the structure of gland cells in the ovary of the sexually immature ostrich is similar to
that of domestic fowl. In addition, the structure of these cells suggests the ability to synthesize and
release steroid hormones.
Description
Journal Article
Keywords
Thecal glands, Ovary, Healthy follicles, Atretic follicles immature ostrich, Interstitial gland