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Semin Reprod Med 2006; 24(4): 195-203
DOI: 10.1055/s-2006-948549
Copyright © 2006 by Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc., 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Extracellular Matrix of the Developing Ovarian Follicle

Helen F. Irving-Rodgers1 , Raymond J. Rodgers1
  • 1Research Centre for Reproductive Health, Discipline of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Paediatrics and Reproductive Health, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
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Publication History

Publication Date:
30 August 2006 (online)

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ABSTRACT

There are many different types of extracellular matrices in the different follicle compartments. These have different roles in follicle development and atresia, and they change in composition during these processes. This review focuses on basal lamina matrix in particular, and considers follicular fluid, the newly identified focimatrix, and thecal matrices. When follicles commence growing, the follicular basal lamina changes in its composition from containing all six α chains of type IV collagen to only α1 and α2. Perlecan and nidogen-1 and -2 subsequently become components of the follicular basal lamina, and there is an increase in the amount of laminin chains α1, β2, and γ1, in the bovine at least. Late in follicular development and on atresia some follicles contain laminin α2. On atresia the follicular basal lamina is not degraded, as occurs in ovulation, but can be breached by cells from the thecal layer when it is not aligned by granulosa cells. A novel type of basal lamina-like matrix, called focimatrix (abbreviated from focal intraepithelial matrix), develops between the cells of the membrana granulosa as aggregates of basal lamina material. It does not envelop cells and so cannot perform functions of basal lamina as currently understood. It is hypothesized that focimatrix assists or initiates depolarization of the membrana granulosa necessary for the transformation into luteal cells. The largest osmotically active molecules in follicular fluid are hyaluronan and chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans, including versican and inter-α trypsin inhibitor. It has been suggested that these might be responsible for the formation of follicular fluid by creating an osmotic gradient across the follicular wall. The formation, development, and then either ovulation or regression of follicles requires considerable tissue remodeling, cellular replication, and specialization. The expectation of researchers is that extracellular matrix will be intimately involved in many of these processes. Much research has focused in identifying the components of extracellular matrix and associated developmental changes. We review the components of extracellular matrix associated with follicular development, including the basal lamina, focimatrix, follicular fluid, and matrix of the thecal layers.

KEYWORDS

Ovary - follicle - extracellular matrix - basal lamina - focimatrix - laminin - collagen type IV - nidogen - collagen type XVIII - usherin

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 Dr.
R.J. Rodgers

Research Centre for Reproductive Health, Discipline of Obstetrics and Gynaecology

University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia 5005, Australia

Email: ray.rodgers@adelaide.edu.au