Van Veen H A, Peereboom-Stegeman J H
Virchows Arch B Cell Pathol Incl Mol Pathol. 1987;53(1):23-31. doi: 10.1007/BF02890220.
The influence of the estrous cycle on the number of intracellular collagen-containing vacuoles (CCVs) has been studied in the uterus of the virgin Wistar rat. CCVs seem to be involved in two processes. Translucent CCVs dark CCVs and dark residual bodies appear to be involved in collagen uptake and degradation, whilst the so-called filamentous bodies (FBs), which are large structures filled with amorphous filaments may be concerned with collagen synthesis. The volume density of these FBs is influenced by the estrous cycle and peak values are accompanied by the highest values of extracellular collagen.