SELECTIVE IMMUNOCYTOCHEMICAL LOCALIZATION OF CALRETININ IN THE HUMAN OVARY

Calretinin is a calcium-binding protein which is primarily expressed b y certain cells of the nervous system, both central and peripheral. It s presence in nonexcitable cells has been little studied. Using a poly clonal antibody and paraffin sections we have analysed the presence of calretinin in the human ovary of different ag es, and in polycystic o varies. Our results revealed the selective presence of calretinin, spe cifically localised in the cells of the germinal epithelium, those of the theca interna and the theca lutein cells, in the cells of the neur ovaso-epithelial association and of the canalicular structures of the mesovarium. Calretinin was also present in a few cells of the theca ex terna and some interstitial cells. No appreciable quantitative differe nces in the strength of the positive reaction were seen between the ov aries of different ages or between the normal and the polycystic ovari es. The presence of calretinin was confirmed by western blot analysis. The selective presence of calretinin in the human ovary, in androgeni c cells and in the cells of the germinal epithelium is discussed in re lation to its possible function as a Ca2+ buffer.