IMMUNOHISTOCHEMICAL LOCALIZATION OF TRANSFORMING GROWTH-FACTOR-BETA-1AND BETA-2 DURING FOLLICULOGENESIS IN THE QUAIL OVARY

Immunohistochemical methods were used to show the presence and distrib ution of transforming growth factor-pr and beta 2 during folliculogene sis in quail ovarian tissues. The results indicated that both transfor ming growth factor-beta subtypes are present. Immunolabelling for tran sforming growth factor-beta 1 demonstrated that prelampbrush oocytes a re immunoreactive in the Balbiani complex, and developing and pre-ovul atory oocytes in the zona radiata. Immunolabelling was also associated with granulosa cells. The number of stained granulosa cells decreased during folliculogenesis. In the pre-ovulatory follicles, immunolabell ing was found predominantly in the theca interna. Immunolabelling for transforming growth factor-beta 2 was associated with the zona radiata of developing and preovulatory follicles, and with stromal interstiti al cells. Moderate immunoreactivity was found in the Balbiani complex of prelampbrush oocytes. Weak immunolabelling was localized in the gra nulosa cells of prelampbrush follicles, and in a few cells of the thec a interna of pre-ovulatory follicles. The immunolocalization of transf orming growth factor-beta 1 and -beta 2 in the quail ovary supports th eir autocrine and/or paracrine role in avian ovarian processes.