Expression of transforming growth factor-alpha, epidermal growth factor, and epidermal growth factor receptor in follicles of human ovarian tissue before and after cryopreservation.
OBJECTIVE
To study the expression of transforming growth factor-alpha (TGF-alpha), epidermal growth factor (EGF), and EGF receptor in follicles of human ovarian tissue.


METHODS
A retrospective, controlled comparative study.


METHODS
In vitro fertilization laboratory of a university hospital.


METHODS
Fifteen women with regular menstrual cycles who underwent laparoscopy and the biopsy of ovarian tissue.


METHODS
Paraffin sections were prepared from ovarian tissues, followed by immunohistochemical staining of TGF-alpha, EGF, and EGF receptor.


METHODS
Immunostaining for TGF-alpha, EGF, and EGF receptor in follicles of fresh and frozen ovarian tissues.


RESULTS
Immunoreactivities for TGF-alpha and EGF receptor were observed simultaneously in the oocytes of primordial, primary, preantral, and antral follicles. Strong staining for TGF-alpha and EGF receptor was present in thecal cells. The TGF-alpha and EGF receptor was also expressed in some granulosa cells of primary to antral follicles. The EGF only stained weakly in the oocytes of primordial and primary follicles and in thecal cells. There was no difference in staining patterns for TGF-alpha, EGF, and EGF receptor between fresh and frozen ovarian tissues.


CONCLUSIONS
The TGF-alpha and EGF receptor was expressed in primordial to antral follicles, indicating a role of TGF-alpha in regulating follicular development through binding to the EGF receptor. Freeze-thawing did not substantially alter immunoreactivites for TGF-alpha, EGF, and EGF receptor in frozen ovarian tissue.
Qu
J
J
Department of Gynaecology, Hospital of Saint Luc, Catholic University of Louvain, Brussels, Belgium.
Nisolle
M
M
Donnez
J
J
D000328:Adult; D015925:Cryopreservation; D004815:Epidermal Growth Factor / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D066246:ErbB Receptors / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D005260:Female; D005307:Fertilization in Vitro; D006801:Humans; D007124:Immunoenzyme Techniques; D006080:Ovarian Follicle / Q000378:metabolism*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016211:Transforming Growth Factor alpha / Q000096:biosynthesis*
D016211:Transforming Growth Factor alpha; D004815:Epidermal Growth Factor; D066246:ErbB Receptors