Immunocytochemical localization of inhibin α-subunit in the human corpus luteum

in Journal of Endocrinology
Authors:
K. B. Smith
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M. R. Millar
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A. S. McNeilly
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P. J. Illingworth
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H. M. Fraser
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D. T. Baird
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ABSTRACT

The localization of inhibin α-subunit within the human corpus luteum was investigated. The antiserum used was raised in sheep against the first 1–23 amino acid sequence of the N-terminus of the human inhibin α-subunit. Using the avidin-biotin immunoperoxidase technique, intense immunostaining was localized within the granulosa-lutein cells of the corpus luteum, with absence of staining in the theca-lutein cells and surrounding ovarian tissue. Similar distribution of inhibin α-subunit immunostaining was observed in 12 corpora lutea obtained during the early, mid- and late-luteal phases and no changes in intensity were apparent at these different stages. Negative controls were obtained by applying antiserum which had been preabsorbed overnight with excess inhibin peptide in place of primary antiserum and also normal non-immune sheep serum as a substitute for primary antiserum. These results provide further evidence that the human corpus luteum is a significant source of immunoreactive inhibin during the normal human menstrual cycle. The specific localization within the granulosalutein cells of the corpus luteum suggests that inhibin α-subunit production may originate from a discrete cell population within the human corpus luteum.

Journal of Endocrinology (1991) 129, 155–160

 

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