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Fine structural observation on the oogenesis and vitellogenesis of the Chinese soft-shelled turtle (Pelodiseus sinensis)

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  09 July 2009

Hei Nainan ,
Yang Ping ,
Yang Yang ,
Liu Jinxiong ,
Bao Huijun ,
Liu Haili ,
Zhang Hui  and
Chen Qiusheng
Hei Nainan
Affiliation:
College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, PR China.
Yang Ping
Affiliation:
College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, PR China.
Yang Yang
Affiliation:
College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, PR China.
Liu Jinxiong
Affiliation:
College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, PR China.
Bao Huijun
Affiliation:
College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, PR China.
Liu Haili
Affiliation:
College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, PR China.
Zhang Hui
Affiliation:
College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, PR China.
Chen Qiusheng*
Affiliation:
College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China. College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, PR China.
*
All correspondence to: Chen Qiusheng. College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China. Tel: +86 25 84395817. Fax: +86 25 84398699. e-mail: chenqsh305@yahoo.com.cn
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Summary

Fine structure observations were performed by means of electron microscopy on oogenesis and vitellogenesis and the special functions of follicular cells in the Chinese soft-shelled turtle (Pelodiseus sinensis). Histological examination of the ovary showed a well developed lacunae system containing fine granules, fibres or gelatiniform materials with one or two germinal beds dispersed on the dorsal surface of the ovarian cortex. The process of oogenesis comprised 10 consecutive phases according to the morphology of the yolk platelets, follicular cells and zona pellucida (ZP). Electron microscopy of vitellogenesis revealed some of the mitochondria gradually being transformed into yolk granules. In the advanced stage of vitellogenesis, large amounts of rough endoplasmic reticula, Golgiosomes and other cell organelles that are involved in synthesis and secretion were observed in follicular cells. The ZP was formed by microvilli, thus increasing the absorptive surface of the oocyte and facilitating transport of nutrients from the follicular epithelium to the ooplasm. This study demonstrated that the ovaries of members of the Testudinidae share more features with Archosaurs than with Squamates, indicating that these features were phylogenetically conserved in the Archosauria. The present observations suggest that the accumulation of yolk materials was controlled by the intrinsic and extrinsic pathways as well as by the activity of follicular cells. These results might also support a sibling relationship of the Testudinidae with the Archosauria and not with all extant reptiles.

Keywords

MicrostructureOogenesisPelodiseus sinensisUltrastructureVitellogenesis
Type
Research Article
Information
Zygote , Volume 18 , Issue 2 , May 2010 , pp. 109 - 120
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2009

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