Localization of smooth-muscle markers in the ovaries of some ectothermic vertebrates.
In the present study, we have localized desmin and alpha-smooth-muscle actin in the ovaries of the zebrafish, the axolotl, and the red-eared turtle, using the unlabelled antibody peroxidase-antiperoxidase technique. In the axolotl ovary both smooth-muscle markers were demonstrated in cord-like structures, extended along ovarian blood vessels, and in some inner ovarian epithelium cells. In the ovaries of the teleost, smooth-muscle-like cells are detected in a suspensory apparatus formed by venous cords, the tunica albuginea, and the coat around the ovarian artery. Also, in the turtle ovary, smooth-muscle-like cells were found in a suspensory apparatus formed by chordae, the tunica albuginea, and the theca externa of the ovarian follicles. At the present time, the prevailing hypothesis is that, in addition to a role in the mechanical support, the smooth-muscle-like cells in the ovaries of these vertebrates seem to be important with respect to ovarian contractile processes.
Van Nassauw
L
L
Laboratory of Human Anatomy and Embryology, State University Centre of Antwerp, Belgium.
Harrisson
F
F
Callebaut
M
M
D000199:Actins / Q000378:metabolism; D000557:Ambystoma / Q000378:metabolism*; D000818:Animals; D001808:Blood Vessels / Q000166:cytology / Q000378:metabolism; D015153:Blotting, Western; D003893:Desmin / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism; D004591:Electrophoresis, Polyacrylamide Gel; D004847:Epithelial Cells; D004848:Epithelium / Q000378:metabolism; D005260:Female; D007106:Immune Sera / Q000276:immunology; D007124:Immunoenzyme Techniques; D007150:Immunohistochemistry / Q000379:methods; D009130:Muscle, Smooth / Q000378:metabolism; D010053:Ovary / Q000098:blood supply / Q000166:cytology / Q000378:metabolism*; D014426:Turtles / Q000378:metabolism*; D015027:Zebrafish / Q000378:metabolism*
D000199:Actins; D003893:Desmin; D007106:Immune Sera