Immunocytochemical evidence for the presence and location of the neurotrophin-Trk receptor family in adult human preovulatory ovarian follicles

David B. Seifer, Bo Feng, Robert M. Shelden

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

56 Scopus citations

Abstract

Objective: This study was undertaken to evaluate the presence or absence of neurotrophins and their respective receptors within adult human preovulatory follicles. Study design: Prospective study of neurotrophins and their receptors in follicular cells and unfertilized oocytes from women undergoing aspiration for in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection. Cells (mural and cumulus granulosa cells, unfertilized oocytes) were examined for immunocytochemical staining of neurotrophin and receptor proteins. Results: Mural and cumulus granulosa cells were positive for BDNF, NT-4/5, NT-3, and NGF, as well as for Trk B, Trk C, and Trk A receptors. Unfertilized oocytes were positive for Trk B, Trk C, and Trk A receptors. Conclusion: Neurotrophins and their respective receptor proteins are present within the mural and cumulus granulosa cells of adult human preovulatory follicles. Neurotrophin receptors are present in human unfertilized oocytes. The location of the neurotrophins and their receptors suggest both an autocrine and paracrine function within the adult human ovarian follicle.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1129-1134
Number of pages6
JournalAmerican journal of obstetrics and gynecology
Volume194
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - Apr 2006

Keywords

  • Follicles
  • Granulosa
  • Growth factors
  • Neurotrophins
  • Oocytes
  • Ovary
  • Trk receptors

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Obstetrics and Gynecology

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