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Abstract

The present study investigated the morphology of gland cells in the ovary of the sexually immature ostrich. Ovarian tissue samples were collected from slaughtered birds in commercial ostrich abattoir in South Africa. Tissue specimens were immersion fixed in 10 buffered formalin and processed routinely for light microscope. Additional samples were fixed in gluteraldehyde and processed for electron microscopy using standard techniques. Type I and II thecal gland cells were identified in both healthy and atretic follicles. Interstitial gland cells were observed in atretic follicles. Type I thecal gland cells contained oval-shaped heterochromatic nuclei surrounded by scant cytoplasm. Mitochondria, filamentous bundles and a few lipid droplets were observed in the cytoplasm. The type II thecal gland cells contained round nuclei located centrally. The cytoplasm in these cells contained materials of an intermediate electron density. Numerous lipid droplets and a few mitochondria were observed in the cytoplasm. The interstitial gland cells contained eccentrically located heterochromatic nuclei and numerous lipid droplets. The results of this study indicate that the structure of gland cells in the ovary of the sexually immature ostrich is similar to that of domestic fowl. In addition, the structure of these cells suggests the ability to synthesize and release steroid hormones.