EPIDERMAL GROWTH-FACTOR (EGF) IN THE QUAIL OVARY

Using immunocytochemical techniques for the localization of epidermal growth factor (EGF) in the quail ovary, we observed a major amount of EGF in smooth muscle cells of blood vessels and of chordae, in interst itial cells, in granulosa cells of small follicles, in the Balbiani co mplex of prelampbrush oocytes, in nerve cells, and in the cells of gra nulosa and theca externa of postovulatory follicles. In general, the s taining intensity of granulosa cells decreased during folliculogenesis , and increased after ovulation. In the oocyte, immunoreactivity was s hifted from the Balbiani complex to the zona radiata during developmen t. These results support the hypothesis that EGF primarily acts on les s differentiated follicles. It is also suggested that EGF can modulate ovarian contractile processes.