Summary
The purpose of this study was to investigate whether albumin (Alb) can be detected in ovarian rat granulosa cells. Using immunocytochemistry and morphometrics, the percentages of Alb-positive follicles (follicle-index), of Alb-positive granulosa cells (granulosa-index), and of strongly reacting follicles (intensity-index) were evaluated in intact and regressing follicles of different diameter groups during different stages of the estrous cycle. In intact follicles, the follicle- and the granulosa-index increased from small-sized to large-sized follicles. Although the follicle-index did not change in any group during the stages of the estrous cycle, the granulosa-index was higher during proestrus than during the other stages. Intact follicles showed a stronger immunoreactivity than regressing follicles throughout the stages of the estrous cycle. Thus, Alb may be a requirement for the control of follicle growth in fertile rats. This Alb function may be attributable to Alb binding to specific cell-membrane components followed by the intracellular uptake of Alb-bound substances.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Benno RH, Williams TH (1978) Evidence for intracellular localization of alpha-fetoprotein in the developing rat. Brain Res 142:182–186
Castelli D, Aussel C, LaFaurie M, Ayraud N (1982) Immunolocalization of alpha-fetoprotein in the ovary and hypophysis of immature female rats. Histochem J 14:879–887
Dempo K, Sasaki M, Kaku T, Satoh M, Oyamada M, Mori M (1983) Immunohistochemical studies on α-fetoprotein and albumin containing cells in the liver during ontogenesis and early stage of 3′-ME-DAB hepatocarcinogenesis. Ann Acad Sci 417:195–202
Downs SM, Longo FJ (1982) Effects of indomethacin on preovulatory follicles in immature, superovulated mice. Am J Anat 164:265–274
Downs SM, Longo FJ (1983) An ultrastructural study of preovulatory apical development in mouse ovarian follicles: effects of indomethacin. Anat Rec 205:159–168
Erickson FG (1983) Primary cultures of ovarian cells in serum-free medium as models of hormone-dependent differentiation. Mol Cell Endocrinol 29:21–49
Finley JCW, Petrusz P (1982) The use of proteolytic enzymes for improved localization of tissue antigens with immunocytochemistry. In: Bullock GR, Pelrusz P (eds) Techniques in immunocytochemistry, Academic Press, London, New York, pp 239–249
Guillonzo A, Belanger L, Beaumont C, Valet JP, Briggs R, Chin JF (1978) Cellular and subcellular immuno-localization of α-fetoprotein and albumin in rat liver. Reevaluation of various experimental conditions. J Histochem Cytochem 26:948–959
Hafez ESE (1970) Reproduction and breeding techniques of laboratory animals. Lea, Philadelphia
McEwen BS (1980) The brain as a target organ of endocrine hormones. In: Krieger DT, Hughes JC (eds) Neuroendocrinology. Sunderland, Sinauer Ass, Inc. Massachusetts, pp 33–42
Nunez EA, Benassayay G, Vallette G, Saou LC (1983) The role of nonesterified fatty acids and of alpha-fetoprotein in estrogen-dependent endocrine system. Ann NY Acad Sci 417:137–148
Ockner RK, Weisiger RA, Gollan JL (1983) Hepatic uptake of albumin-bound substances: albumin receptor concept. Am J Physiol 245/G13:6–18
Richards JDC (1978) Hormonal control of follicular growth and maturation in mammals. In: Jones RE (ed) The vertebrate ovary. Plenum, New York, pp 331–360
Schachter BS, Toran-Allerand CD (1982) Intraneuronal alpha-fetoprotein and albumin are not synthesized locally in developing brain. Dev Brain Res 5:93–98
Sell S, Longley MA, Boulter J (1985) α-Fetoprotein and albumin gene expression in brain and other tissue of fetal and adult rats. Dev Brain Res 22:49–53
Siiteri PK, Murai JT, Hammond GL, Nisker JA, Raymoure WJ, Kuhn RW (1982) The serum transport of steroid hormones. Recent Prog Horm Res 38:457–510
Spanel-Borowski K (1981) Morphological investigations on follicular atresia in canine ovaries. Cell Tissue Res 214:155–168
Stumpf WE (1969) Nuclear concentration of (3H)estradiol in target tissues. Dry-mount autoradiography of vagina, oviduct, ovary, testis, mammary tumor, liver and adrenal. Endocrinology 85:31–37
Szego MC (1975) Lysosomal function in nucleocytoplasmic communication. In: Dingle JT, Dean RT (eds) Lysosomes in biology and pathology, Vol 4, American Elsevier Publ Co, New York, pp 385–477
Toran-Allerand CD (1982) Regional differences in the intraneuronal localization of alpha-fetoprotein in the developing mouse brain. Dev Brain Res 5:213–217
Trojan J, Uriel J (1981) Immunocytochemical localization of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) and serum albumin (Alb) in ecto-meso- and endodermal tissue derivatives of the developing rat. Oncodev Biol Med 3:13–22
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Additional information
Supported by a DFG grant no. Sp 232/2-2
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Spanel-Borowski, K. Immunocytochemical localization of albumin in ovarian follicles of fertile rats. Cell Tissue Res. 248, 699–702 (1987). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00216501
Accepted:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00216501