Germinal vesicle breakdown in the mouse oocyte

ABSTRACT Germinal vesicle breakdown in mouse oocytes in vivo and in vitro has been examined by electron microscopy. In vitro oocytes were studied immediately after release from follicles and at various times (0·5–11 h) in culture. Approximately 30 min after oocyte release, chromatin condensation begins along the convoluted nuclear envelope (NE). Chromatin granules are common in all condensing chromosomes. Heterochromatin, visible from early condensation until chromosomes are of uniform density, often is observed near the kinetochores. The nucleolus breaks down after peripheral incorporation of separate nucleolus-associated bodies composed of 25-nm diameter fibrils. These bodies are later found free in the cytoplasm. As chromosome condensation progresses, the NE becomes highly convoluted, then discontinuous, finally forming NE doublets. Spindle formation begins with the appearance near the NE of small medium-dense areas from which microtubules emanate. No centrioles are present. Dark granules and mitochondria move centrally in the oocyte and surround the spindle. Peripheral cortical granules and large aggregations of multivesicular bodies are present at all stages. The Golgi apparatus is not well developed. Very little rough endoplasmic reticulum is present, although free ribosomal clusters are common. There are no significant ultrastructural differences between eggs maturing in vivo and in vitro.