Oocyte size and structure in relation to blood plasma steroid hormones in individually monitored, spawning Atlantic cod

Abstract

A series of seasonal blood and ovarian tissue samples were taken from five female Atlantic cod Gadus morhua at different times between various batches of eggs and subsequently examined for oocyte size, plasma steroid hormones and ultrastructure of the cortex oocyte cytoplasm and follicle layer. This detailed protocol demonstrated that the spawning cod ovary is vitellogenically very active. Individual oocytes were able to develop at different rates, and at least two cohorts of oocytes with a different developmental status were present simultaneously. The concentration of estradiol‐17β varied between batches and decreased over the season. The levels of 17,20β‐P and 11‐deoxycortisol were generally low. Oocytes of an advanced developing cohort showed numerous coated vesicles and closely apposed oocytic and follicular microvilli located in the chorionic pores. The number of oocytic microvilli was estimated at about 1–8 million cell−1, which increased the oocyte surface area by a factor of 12. Furthermore, the oocytic microvilli were found to stretch during final maturation. This stage‐specific mobility of microvilli is discussed in relation to further incorporation of yolk and the relevant actin‐based cytoskeleton observed for other classes of animals.