Studies on the human corpus luteum. I. Observations on the ultrastructure of development and regression of the luteal cells during the menstrual cycle

Abstract

The ultrastructure of huma corpora luntea obtained approximately 2, 3, 5, 11, and 15 days after ovulation is reported. All specimens were fixed in Karnovsky's formaldehyde-glutaral-dehyde solution. The 5-day corpus luteum is presumed to represent, in terms of fine structure, the ultrastructural aspects of high progesterone production and is compared to younger differentiating and older regressing specimens. A distinct topographic relationship of cytoplasmic organelles is noted in the mature 5-day luteal cell. It consists of a peripheral cupshaped mass of tubular ER (endoplasmic reticulum), associated with granular ER, lipid droplets, and mitochondria, which merges with a large paranuclear Golgi area extending to a cell surface bordering a perivascular space. The plasma membrane of active luteal cells is described and its variations suggest areas of specialized surface activities. The prevalence and ultrastructure of more electron-opaque stellate cells, of phagocytes, and of thecal cells are reported.