Histochemical identification of ovarian lipids during vitellogenesis in the lizard Lacerta vivipara

Abstract

Histochemical identification of lipids was performed on frozen sections of ovary and liver throughout thermal-induced vitellogenesis in the lizard Lacerta vivipara. Two classes of lipids were identified in both organs: triglycerides and phospholipids. The former are in a fluid state (stained by Sudan Black B), neutral (Nile Blue method), and unsaturated (reduce OsO4). The latter react to a dichromate–hematoxylin method and are acidic (Nile Blue method). Throughout vitellogenic growth, oocytes simultaneously accumulate triglyceride and phospholipids linked to polypeptide granules. Both types of lipid inclusions always remain distinct.