Immunocytochemical Study On The Localization Of Relaxin In The Ovaries And Estrogen Receptor In The endometrium Of Camel.

Abstract

The goals of this study were, first to immunolocalize relaxin in the ovary; and second, to immunolocalize estrogen receptors in the endometrium of non-pregnant and pregnant camel. A total 15 mature, apparently healthy female dromedary camels were used. The ovaries and endometrium were collected at a Cairo abattoir, during the period of September 1997 to March, and 1998. The pieces of ovarian and uterine tissues were prepared to immunocytochemical techniques and transmision electron microscope. The ovaries collected in the beginning of spring were highly active, more so than those collected in the summer season. They contained more than one tertiary follicle and corpus structure. A true, fully-developed corpus luteum (CL) was not observed in sections from non-pregnant animals. Such sections displayed two stages of luteal structures: I) a corpus luteum (or corpus haemorhagicum); and 2) vascularized regressed CL structures. In the vascular regressed corpora lutea, the connective tissue capsule was much thicker. A gradual replacement of the luteal tissue with extensive network of long and highly coiled muscular arterioles was apparent. In pregnancy, the CL was highly cellular, occupied by granulosa theca cells and possessing a highly developed capillary network. Ultrastructurally, large luteal cells exhibited two functional conditions. Some of them contained an abundance of mitochondria, smooth endoplasmic reticulum and a few secretory granules; other cells contained an abundance of secretory .