P53 PROTEIN EXPRESSION IN AVIAN OVARIAN FOLLICLES

In the present study, we localized p53 protein in the ovary of the adu lt Japanese quail using immunohistochemical techniques. The best resul ts were obtained with DO-1 monoclonal antibodies and with a heat-induc ed epitope retrieval method. Immunostaining was detected in cytoplasm and/or nuclei of granulosa and surface epithelial cells. In atretic fo llicles, p53 protein was found in a few follicular cells. Immunoreacti vity was also detected in leukocytes and in the Balbiani complex of pr elampbrush oocytes. It is suggested that p53 protein expression is ele vated in proliferating granulosa and surface epithelial cells, and tha t p53 protein may be involved in granulosa cell differentiation.