GRANULAR CYTOPLASMIC BODIES IN OOCYTES OF GOLDEN HAMSTER DURING POST-NATAL PERIOD

The time and frequency of occurrence of granular cytoplasmic bodies in oocytes of the golden hamster has been investigated. The bodies are first seen immediately after birth when most of the germ cells have commenced meiotic prophase. They increase in frequency until approximately twelve days post-natal, at which time most oocytes have attained the dictyate stage. After this, frequency of occurrence of the bodies declines. Very few have been noted in adult material. The possible significance of the bodies is discussed. © 1969 Springer-Verlag.