PRESENCE OF ANGIOTENSIN-II IMMUNOREACTIVITY IN THE OVARY OF THE RAINBOW-TROUT, ONCORHYNCHUS-MYKISS

Renin-angiotensin system is present in mammalian ovarian follicular fl uid and follicles. The demonstration of specific binding sites for ang iotensin II in the follicular structures of rats suggests that angiote nsin II may be related to the regulation of steroid biosynthesis in th e mammalian ovary. Little is known about the presence and the action o f angiotensin II in nonmammalian ovaries. An immunocytochemical invest igation of angiotensin II in developing ovarian follicles of trout has been carried out. The specific antiserum was raised against (Val(5))- angiotensin II of the trout. There was strong immunoreactivity in the ooplasm of endogenous vitellogenic follicles. Angiotensin II immunorea ctive material was present in the follicular cells, but not within ooc ytes at the end of vitellogenesis. Immunocytochemically angiotensin II -like material in the ovary of rainbow trout fluctuates during the cyc le of development. (C) 1994 Academic Press, Inc.