Extensive vascularization of developing mouse ovaries revealed by caveolin‐1 expression

Abstract

Expression screening for genes preferentially expressed in mouse fetal ovaries relative to testes identified Cav-1 as a candidate female-specific gene. Cav-1 encodes caveolin-1, a component of the cell membrane invaginations known as caveolae, which are involved in lipid regulation and signal transduction. In situ hybridization revealed high levels of Cav-1 mRNA in developing ovaries, compared with moderate or low levels in testes. Analysis of caveolin-1 protein distribution by immunofluorescence showed this difference to be due to the development of a dense and complex vascular network in the developing ovary. These observations point to a higher degree of differentiation and organization of the early stage mammalian ovary than previously suspected.

Four-dimensional analysis of vascularization during primary development of an organ, the gonad

“…Vascular development of the XX gonad appears to be the result of proliferation and extension of the branches of the primordial gonadal vasculature (Fig. 1 A) (20)(21)(22).…”

“…In both XX and XY gonads, the vasculature continued to develop from endothelial cells in the initial vascular branches that undergo proliferation during this period (20)(21)(22). Whether additional endothelial cells arise de novo within the XX or the XY gonad cannot be determined in these assays.…”

“…Vascular development of the XX gonad appears to be the result of proliferation and extension of the branches of the primordial gonadal vasculature (Fig. 1 A) (20)(21)(22).It was unclear whether vascular development in the XY gonad occurs by angiogenic branching or by a vasculogenic process involving the formation of a vessel from migration of individual cells. Moreover, it was unclear how vascularization of the XY gonad is integrated with epithelial morphogenesis of testis cords.…”

Zebrafish as a Novel Model System to Study the Function of Caveolae and Caveolin-1 in Organismal Biology

“…The importance of Cav-1 in the vasculature has also been highlighted by Bullejos et al, who observed high levels of Cav-1 mRNA in the developing ovaries but not testes. 15 This difference is due to the formation of a more dense and more complex vascular network in the ovaries. 15 …”

“…15 This difference is due to the formation of a more dense and more complex vascular network in the ovaries. 15 …”