Ultrastructural changes in oocytes during folliculogenesis in domestic mammals

Abstract

The ultrastructural analysis of oocytes and ovarian follicles has been used to evaluate the effects of assisted reproductive techniques, such as cryopreservation or in vitro oocyte maturation. It also benefits the understanding of such complex mechanisms that occur during folliculogenesis. From the beginning of primordial follicles growth until oocyte maturation in preovulatory follicles oocyte cytoplasmic organelles undergo dynamic alterations that reflect physiological changes and development. This review aims to make a retrospective survey of the relevant features of follicles and oocytes ultrastructure, highlighting the differences between mammalian species, specially the domestic ones.