Evolutionary sequences in mammalian reproductive biology. Issue 8 (26th June 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Hunter, Ronald H. F.; López‐Gatius, Fernando
• Is Part Of: Journal of experimental zoology. Volume 333:Issue 8(2020)
• Page Start: 533
• Page End: 535
• Publication Date: 2020-06-26
• Subjects: follicular cooling -- oocyte–granulosa cell interactions -- temperature gradients; Zoology -- Periodicals; Zoology; Animal Population Groups -- physiology; Zoology; Electronic journals; Periodical; Periodicals; 590
• DOI: 10.1002/jez.2394
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2471-5646

Abstract

Abstract: Broad biological aspects and accepted evolutionary sequences may offer useful guidance towards a comprehensive explanation of the function of mammalian ovaries and oviducts and their vital contribution to the events of fertilization. Cooling of the preovulatory follicles before ovulation may well have its roots in the primitive stages of external fertilization in which aggregates of oocytes are shed into freshwater. Abstract : Evolutionary sequences from aggregates of oocytes shed in freshwater to the complex crosstalk between oocyte and somatic follicular cells and between ovary and oviduct. The oviduct was an evolutionary innovation of the female reproductive system. The preovulatory follicle and the functional sperm reservoir (a caudal portion of the oviduct) experience a cooling process before ovulation in mammals. It is reasonable to propose that a mammalian oocyte acts to promote cooling in a responsive Graafian follicle. Research Highlights: Preovulatory Graafian follicles are cooler than adjoining tissues. Mammalian oocyte may promote cooling in a responsive Graafian follicle.