Immunocytochemical localization of transforming growth factor-alpha and epidermal growth factor receptor in human fallopian tubes and cumulus cells.
OBJECTIVE
Transforming growth factor-alpha (TGF-alpha) has been shown to be a potent stimulant of oocyte maturation and embryonic development. The role of maternal growth factors and their mechanism of action in early mammalian development is not well understood.


METHODS
In this study, the presence of TGF-alpha and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGF-R) in human cumulus cells and fallopian tubes was investigated by immunocytochemical techniques.


RESULTS
The fallopian tube showed intense staining for TGF-alpha in the apical region of the epithelial cells, and the cumulus cells showed intense staining for EGF-R on cell membranes.


CONCLUSIONS
The presence of TGF-alpha in the fallopian tube epithelium and its receptor on cumulus cells suggest a paracrine mechanism between maternal growth factors and the developing embryo.
el-Danasouri
I
I
Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, California.
Frances
A
A
Westphal
L M
LM
D005314:Embryonic and Fetal Development / Q000502:physiology; D066246:ErbB Receptors / Q000032:analysis*; D005187:Fallopian Tubes / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000166:cytology; D005260:Female; D006107:Granulosa Cells / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000166:cytology; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D009865:Oocytes / Q000737:chemistry; D011247:Pregnancy; D016211:Transforming Growth Factor alpha / Q000032:analysis*
D016211:Transforming Growth Factor alpha; D066246:ErbB Receptors