Expression and localisation of thioredoxin in mouse reproductive tissues during the oestrous cycle

Thioredoxin expression within the reproductive tissues of the female mouse was analysed during the oestrous cycle stages of dioestrus, oestrus and met oestrus by Western blot analyses and immunocytochemistry. From Western blot analyses the expression of thioredoxin was found to be increased in oestru s compared to dioestrus and metoestrus. Localisation of thioredoxin within the reproductive organs of the mouse during the oestrous cycle has shown th at the expression of thioredoxin is specific for distinct areas within the reproductive organs. These areas are the stratified squamous epithelium of the vagina, the simple columnar epithelium and the uterine glands of the ut erus, the ciliated columnar epithelium of the oviduct, the corpus lutea, th e interstitial cells and the secondary follicles of the ovary. The discrete cellular localisation and oestrous dependence of thioredoxin expression ar e suggestive of specific roles in various reproductive processes. (C) 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc.