Immunohistochemical detection of insulin-like growth factor-I, transforming growth factor- beta 2, basic fibroblast growth factor and epidermal growth factor-receptor expression in developing rat ovary

• Published in: Cytokine (Philadelphia, Pa.) Pa.), 2008-08, Vol.43 (2), p.209-214
• Main Authors: Ergin, K, Guersoy, E, Koca, Yuecel Basimoolu, Basaloolu, H, Seyrek, K
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 1043-4666
• DOI: 10.1016/j.cyto.2008.05.013

The aim of this study was to determine the immunohistochemical expression and localization of insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I), transforming growth factor- beta 2 (TGF- beta 2), basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) and epidermal growth factor-receptor (EGF-R) in developing rat ovaries. Eighteen female Wistar rats were enrolled in this study; newborn (n = 6), one-month-old (n = 6) and adult (n = 6) rats. Formalin-fixed and parafin-embedded ovarian tissues were stained with antibodies against IGF-I, TGF- beta 2, bFGF and EGF-R, immunohistochemically. The ovarian cells were evaluated by semi- quantitative scoring system under light microscope. The staining of IGF-I, TGF- beta 2, bFGF and EGF-R were most intense in the oocytes and were heavily at one-month-old rats. A moderate immunostaining in theca cells and corpus luteii reacted with IGF-I in adult rats. Furthermore the staining intensity for IGF-I was moderate in granulosa cells of newborn rat ovaries. We detected also a moderate staining for TGF- beta 2 in corpus luteii of adult rats. In addition, we found a bFGF immunostaining mainly in oocytes of follicles of young and adult rats. Immunostaining for EGF-R was moderate in granulosa cells of one-month-old rats. In conclusion, this study suggests that growth factors play a pivotal role in ovarian function, especially in follicular development. The role of growth factor in controlling degeneration or growth (or both) of ovary follicles remain as explained.