Ultrastructural features of atretic ovarian follicles in buffalo (Bubalus bubalis)

The process of follicular development and features of morphological changes are essential to understand the factors involved during folliculogenesis and to improve fertility in buffalo. Hence the objective of the present study was to report ultrastructural features of atretic ovarian follicles in buffalo. In the early stage of atresia, the involvement of mitochondria was observed and whereas in the later stages of atresia, involvement of macrophages were observed. The granulosa cells of buffalo atretic tertiary follicles were observed to contain undulation of the nuclear membrane, crescent formation of the pyknotic nuclei and loopiness and undulations of the basal lamina. These features are similar to the reports in other species. The involvement of mitochondria in the early stage of atresia suggested the probable role of a reactive oxygen free radical induced damage.