Immunohistochemical detection of a very high density lipoprotein (VHDL) inovarian follicles of Triatoma infestans

The ability of Triatoma infestans ovarian follicles to synthesize a very hi gh-density lipoprotein (VHDL) has been examined by immunohistochemical meth ods. This kind of lipoprotein can be envisaged as a storage hexameric prote in present in the hemolymph of some insect species. VHDL immunoreactivity i s observed in oocytes at different stages of maturation. The antigen is pre sent in the oocyte cytoplasm as well as in the follicular epithelial cells. The immunopositive reaction in the apical surface of follicle cells sugges ts both a VHDL synthesis and a secretion process. Furthermore, VHDL seems t o be stored into oocyte in yolk granules. On the contrary, no immunopositiv e reaction is observed in the intracellular spaces between follicle cells, suggesting that VHDL is not incorporated from hemolymph into the oocyte.