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Elaboration of an oviductin by the oviductal epithelium in relation to embryo development as visualized by immunocytochemistry
Author(s) -
Kan Frederick W. K.,
Roux Emmanuelle
Publication year - 1995
Publication title -
microscopy research and technique
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.536
H-Index - 118
eISSN - 1097-0029
pISSN - 1059-910X
DOI - 10.1002/jemt.1070310604
Subject(s) - perivitelline space , zona pellucida , hamster , oviduct , biology , microbiology and biotechnology , immunolabeling , embryo , oocyte , blastocyst , immunogold labelling , immunocytochemistry , cytoplasm , andrology , embryogenesis , anatomy , immunology , ultrastructure , endocrinology , immunohistochemistry , medicine
The hamster oviduct secretes a high molecular weight antigen that belongs to the family of glycoproteins known as oviductins. In the present study, using immuno‐electron microscopy, we examined the location of this hamster oviductin‐1 (Hm Ov‐1) in hamster oviductal oocytes and early embryos up to the blastocyst stage. The immunoreactive pattern of Hm Ov‐1 changes markedly during the embryo development. In oviductal oocytes prior to fertilization, Hm Ov‐1 was associated exclusively with the zona pellucida. Following fertilization, immunolabeling was detected in the perivitelline space and over the plasma membrane of 2‐cell, 4‐cell, and 8‐cell embryos as well as young blastocysts. The change of the immunoreactive pattern was accompanied by the formation of an abundant number of coated pits, endocytic vesicles, multivesicular bodies, and lysosomal‐like structures which were strongly labeled by gold particles. These immunogold‐labeled cytoplasmic organelles characteristic of the endosomal‐lysosomal apparatus were particularly evident in 2‐cell, 4‐cell, and 8‐cell embryos and showed a decrease in number in the blastocysts. The close resemblence between the labeled flocculent material detected in the perivitelline space and that found in the zona matrix of early embryos and blastocysts suggested that the Hm Ov‐1‐associated electron‐dense, flocculent material in the perivitelline space originated from the zona pellucida and was later endocytosed by the blastomeres through coated pits and endocytic vesicles. The detection of Hm Ov‐1 in numerous multivesicular bodies and lysosomal structures indicated that the oviductin is eventually degraded. Although the exact functional role of Hm Ov‐1 is not known, the presence of a copious amount of Hm Ov‐1 in early hamster embryos may be ascribed to a special relationship between this particular oviductin and embryo development. © 1995 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.