An ultrastructural characterization of the ooplasm in ovarian follicles of the immature ostrich (Struthio camelus).

Primordial, pre-vitellogenic and vitellogenic follicles were present in the ovary of the immature ostrich. The oocytes of these follicles were composed of a nucleus surrounded by ooplasm. Central, intermediate and cortical regions formed the ooplasm. The organelles present in these ooplasmic regions varied depending on the stage of follicular development. In primordial and small pre-vitellogenic (100-150 microm in diameter) follicles the central region of the ooplasm was dominated by an accumulation of organelles, which formed Balbiani's vitelline body. In contrast, the central region in vitellogenic follicles was filled with numerous large yolk spheres, many of which contained lining bodies. Numerous lipid droplets interspersed with mitochondria and small yolk spheres formed the intermediate ooplasmic region in primordial and small pre-vitellogenic follicles. In large pre-vitellogenic (150-400 microm in diameter) and vitellogenic follicles the intermediate region contained a greater density of mitochondria and small yolk spheres. Small yolk spheres were observed in the cortical region of pre-vitellogenic follicles. An interesting feature of the cortical region in vitellogenic follicles was the frequent occurrence of Golgi complexes. The results of the study indicate that although the ovarian follicles in the immature ostrich are not ovulated, the components and composition of the ooplasm are similar to those observed in the mature follicles of other avian species.