Expression of the GATA-4 and GATA-6 transcription factors in the fetal rat gonad and in the ovary during postnatal development and pregnancy

• Published in: Molecular and cellular endocrinology 2004-11, Vol.227 (1), p.31-40
• Main Authors: LaVoie, Holly A., McCoy, George L., Blake, Charles A.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Animals; Cell Differentiation; Cholesterol Side-Chain Cleavage Enzyme - metabolism; DNA-Binding Proteins - metabolism; Female; GATA-4; GATA-6; GATA4 Transcription Factor; GATA6 Transcription Factor; Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental; Genital ridge; Gonad; Male; Ovary; Ovary - embryology; Ovary - growth & development; Ovary - metabolism; P450scc; Pregnancy; Rats; Testis; Testis - embryology; Testis - growth & development; Testis - metabolism; Transcription Factors - metabolism; Zinc Fingers
• ISSN: 0303-7207; 1872-8057
• DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2004.07.016

Immunohistochemical studies were undertaken to determine the distribution of GATA-4 and GATA-6 in rat fetal gonad and the postnatal ovary during development and pregnancy. In the undifferentiated gonad, GATA-4 was expressed in the somatic cells of both sexes. After differentiation of the ovary and testis, GATA-4 expression continued in both ovarian and testicular somatic cells; whereas, GATA-6 was expressed in both somatic and germ cells. In the ovary of postnatal rats, granulosa and thecal cells of healthy follicles expressed both GATA factors. In the adult rat, GATA-4 expression was lower in corpora lutea as compared to follicles; whereas, GATA-6 was strongly expressed in both structures. GATA-4 expression was greater in functional corpora lutea than regressing corpora lutea. GATA-6 was expressed in both functional and regressing corpora lutea. In all postnatal ovaries, the expression of P450scc localized with tissue expressing GATA-4 and/or GATA-6, but GATA expression also occurred in P450scc negative cells.