The Surface of Mouse Oocytes from Two Inbred Strains Differing in Efficiency of Fertilization, as Revealed by Scanning Electron Microscopy

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Abstract
The oocytes from 2 inbred strains of mice, KE and CBA/Kw, were examined with the scanning electron microscope. CBA/Kw oocytes possessed a ruffled oolemma, with densely distributed projections. The oocytes from the KE strain, which undergo a premature cortical reaction possessed shorter and predominantly knobby or contorted microvilli distributed irregularly. Their oolemma was composed of small smooth patches and microvilli bearing patches. In oocytes from both strains some part of the surface, probably overlying the metaphase II spindle, was devoid of microvilli. This area seemed to be wider in KE than in CBA/Kw oocytes.