Granulosa Cell Apoptosis in Situ in Caprine Ovary

Apoptotic changes in membrana granulosa of ovaries in goat (Capra hircus) have been studied in situ using light and scanning electron microscopy. Histologically, the degenerating granulosa cells were characterized by condensed cytoplasm, pyknotic nuclei and hazy cytosol. Most of the cytoplasmic components were condensed and were seen clumping against the pyknotic nucleus. The nucleus of degenerating cells stain darkly with giemsa while the cytoplasm were eosinophilic. In a few apoptotic cells heterochromatin bodies were seen adhering the nuclear membrane in the hyaline nucleosol. Under scanning electron microscopy apoptosis was marked by asymmetrical shrinkage and vacuolization of cytoplasm. The cell membrane of degenerating granulosa cells was smooth textured with a number of uneven depression and ruffles. Fragmentation of nucleus and pinching off of membrane bound nuclear fragments were the characteristic features observed in situ.