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Human cumulus cell complexes studied in vitro by light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  26 September 2008

Sian Kennedy ,
Marjorie A. England  and
Carla Mills
Sian Kennedy
Affiliation:
Medical School, Leicester University, Leicester, and The Hallam Medical Centre, London, UK.
Marjorie A. England*
Affiliation:
Medical School, Leicester University, Leicester, and The Hallam Medical Centre, London, UK.
Carla Mills
Affiliation:
Medical School, Leicester University, Leicester, and The Hallam Medical Centre, London, UK.
*
Dr Marjorie A. England, Department of Anatomy, Leicester University, University Road, Leicester LE1 7RH, UK. Tel: (0533) 523038. Fax: (0533) 525072.
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Summary

Various researchers describe the morphology of cumulus cells (CC) in vitro, but few have investigated their behaviour on plastic. Knowledge concerning the behaviour of human CC could be useful in improving the success of in vitro fertilisation procedures. This study aimed to describe the morphology and behaviour of CC in vitro and to investigate movement on a collagen-coated substrate. Following collection some cumulus were mechanically dissected from those surrounding the oocyte. Cumulus aggregates were cultured over 24 h using Earle's medium supplemented with 8% albumin. Substrata were plastic coverslips coated with collagens I, IV, or mixed collagens. Cumulus cultured over corresponding time periods on uncoated coverslips served as controls. Specimens were fixed and prepared for scanning electron microscopy. Over 24 h the controls began exhibiting the morphological features associated with cell movement: cell surface protrusions changed from blebs to microridges, lamellipodia and leading lamellae; cell shape altered from rounded and upright, to flattened. Extracellularmatrix (ECM) transformed from a thick, sheet-like substance to a thin, fibrous material. By 24 h, cells contacting ECM remained rounded showing few features of movement. Collagens enhanced attachment of CC as a monolayer on the substrate. Cell morphology varied according to the collagen type used. On mixed collagens, cells attached rapidly, appearing to be predominantly non-motile. On collagen type I there was less attachment of cells but increased motility. On collagen type IV there was decreased attachment and the cells remained spherical. In conclusion, collagens enhance the settling of cumulus cells on a plastic substrate and the cells exhibit some specificity in attaching to collagens.

Keywords

Cell movementCollagenCumulus cellsIn vitro fertilisation
Type
Article
Information
Zygote , Volume 2 , Issue 2 , May 1994 , pp. 133 - 147
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1994

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