Ovgp1 expression in boec and oviduct: an immunohistochemical and immunocytochemical study

Abstract

Oviduct is an important tubular organ fostering critical physiological processes such as transport of gametes and embryos, capacitation, fertilization, early embryo development, and maturation of gametes. The aim of the present study was to evaluate oviduct specific glycoprotein-1 (OVGP1) expression in the oviduct regions at diff erent phases of the sexual cycle and bovine oviduct epithelial cells (BOEC). In the study, oviduct samples collected from 6 cows in estral and luteal phases were used. The oviduct samples were collected from the ampulla, isthmus and fimbria and evaluated through routine histology and immunohistochemical studies for OVGP1. The primary BOEC were obtained from the ampulla region and characterized by cytokeratin expression. The immunohistochemistry assay indicated that OVGP1 is expressed in secretory cells of the bovine oviduct. OVGP1 expression varies by the oviduct regions and phases of the sexual cycle. Changes in OVGP1 expression during the sexual cycle suggestively indicates a hormonal infl uence. Regional diff erence in OVGP1 expression is most likely related to the physiological events that occur in diff erent regions of the oviduct. BOEC isolated from the oviduct of estral and luteal phases also expresses OVGP1. Further studies should focus on possible role of OVGP1 in adaption of BOEC to very tedious condition like cell culture.

Keywords

• boec
• ovgp1
• oviduct
• cow
• sexual cycle