Abstract
The growth control mechanism of early-stage ovarian follicles is unknown. Tyrosine phosphorylation of signaling molecules and changes in expression and activation of AP-1 transcription factors have been implicated in growth regulation of numerous cell types. In this study, we used immunohistochemistry to analyze tyrosine phosphorylation patterns and expression and activation of selected AP-1 transcription factors in mouse ovarian follicles. The ovaries were collected from B62F1/J mice in estrus. Representative sections were immunostained for phosphotyrosine, phospho-c-Jun, Jun D, and c-Fos. Phosphotyrosine staining was perioocytic from the transitional stage until approximately 5 to 7 layers of granulosa cells had formed. Perioocytic staining was then replaced by scattered stippled staining in granulosa cells of larger follicles. Phospho c-Jun was exclusively expressed in mitotic granulosa cells of follicles from transitional to antral stages. Jun D was expressed in the oocytes of primordial, primary, or transitional follicles and disappeared at the 2-layer preantral stage. Fos was present in corpora lutea and theca cells but not in granulosa cells. Collectively, these data indicate that phosphotyrosine signaling and AP-1 transcription factors are intimately involved in early stages of ovarian follicle growth.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 364-369 |
Number of pages | 6 |
Journal | Applied Immunohistochemistry and Molecular Morphology |
Volume | 12 |
Issue number | 4 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Dec 2004 |
Keywords
- AP-1 transcription factors
- Follicular development
- Growth factors
- Ovary
- Phosphotyrosine
- Signal transduction
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Pathology and Forensic Medicine
- Histology
- Medical Laboratory Technology