Abstract
Using an analytical color fluorescence electron microscope (ACFEM), we observed the cathodoluminescence (CL) emitted from lipid droplets (LDs) of cells in various stages of developing follicles and atretic follicles of the rat. The results showed that the CL at wavelength around 320nm (CL320), which had been proved to be derived from cholesterol ester, was distributed in the cells of theca layers as early as at the stage of preantral follicles; in the theca interna cells of all the follicles beyond this developing stage and atretic follicles; and in the granulosa cells of preovulatory and atretic follicles. This study demonstrates that the cholesterol ester is regularly distributed in follicular cells during the developing and regressing courses of follicles, and also cytochemically provides further detailed information about dynamic metabolism of steroids in follicular cells.
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