Immunolocalization of smooth muscle-like cells in the quail ovary.
We localized alpha-smooth muscle actin (alpha-SMA) in the quail ovary, using the peroxidase-anti-peroxidase technique. Special attention was paid to the influence of fixation on the immunoreactivity of the antigen. The immunostaining of alpha-SMA largely depended on the nature of the fixative. The antigen could most successfully be localized in ovaries fixed in Carnoy's fluid. We also localized alpha-SMA and desmin in semi-thin glycol methacrylate sections of the pre-ovulatory follicle, using the immunogold-silver staining method. The sections were pretreated with Lugol's iodine or sodium metaperiodate to enhance the immunoreactivity. alpha-SMA was demonstrated in the cells of the chordae, the tunica albuginea, and the theca externa of each follicle. These structures were inter-connected, forming an ovarian suspensory apparatus. The thecal cells of prelampbrush follicles also expressed alpha-SMA. In the wall of the pre-ovulatory follicle, desmin was found in the cells of the chordae and the tunica albuginea, and in a few cells of the theca externa. In the theca interna, desmin, and sometimes alpha-SMA, was observed in cells adjacent to the endothelium of sinusoids, which are probably pericytes. Our results support the hypothesis that in birds the ovarian follicles possess a thecal contractile system, that is presumably involved in the ovulatory process.
Van Nassauw
L
L
University Centre of Antwerp, Institute of Human Anatomy and Embryology, Belgium.
Harrisson
F
F
Callebaut
M
M
D000199:Actins / Q000032:analysis*; D000818:Animals; D003370:Coturnix / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000378:metabolism; D005260:Female; D015151:Immunoblotting; D007124:Immunoenzyme Techniques; D007454:Iodides; D008689:Methacrylates; D009130:Muscle, Smooth / Q000737:chemistry / Q000166:cytology*; D010053:Ovary / Q000737:chemistry / Q000166:cytology*; D016612:Paraffin Embedding; D010504:Periodic Acid; D013194:Staining and Labeling
D000199:Actins; D007454:Iodides; D008689:Methacrylates; D010504:Periodic Acid; C005044:hydroxyethyl methacrylate; C009288:metaperiodate; C010389:Lugol's solution