Abstract

Fertilization events of the sheep oocyte have been analyzed by electron microscopy. In the fertilization cone, near the decondensing sperm nucleus, several areas composed of electron-dense filamentous material (FA) were observed. Moreover aster-like structures were present in the vicinity of the sperm neck and proximal midpiece. During swelling of the pronuclei, redistribution of cytoplasmic organelles occurred near the male pronucleus in a region facing the center of the egg. In this region, containing the sperm midpiece, large aggregates of Golgi complexes and cisternae of endoplasmic reticulum were associated with FA, microtubule foci, and abundant microtubules, suggesting cytaster formation. This complex migrated with the male pronucleus and the proximal sperm midpiece toward the center of the egg. A potential role of these subcellular structures, in the process of pronuclear migration, is proposed.

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.