PRODUCTION AND IMMUNOHISTOCHEMICAL CHARACTERIZATION OF MONOCLONAL-ANTIBODIES AGAINST OVARIAN ANTIGEN OF THE COMMON TREE SHREW (TUPAIA-GLIS)

To study the ovarian function of the common tree shrew (Tupaia glis), monoclonal antibodies (MAb) against its ovarian antigen were produced. Several positive hybridomas were cloned and MAb-T2C9 (IgG) was examin ed for reactivity. Strong immunoreactivity of MAb-T2C9 was localized w ithin the cytoplasm of luteal cells and in the theca interna cells of Graafian follicles. MAb-T2C9 reacted also with testicular interstitial cells and adrenocortical cells, except those of the zona glomerulosa. Similar reactions were seen in the goat and sheep. Western blotting a nalysis of the ovine corpus luteum after reaction with MAb-T2C9 reveal ed a single positive band of approximate to 60 kDa. These findings sug gest that MAb-T2C9 recognized protein molecules related to steroid syn thesis.