Immunohistochemical study of estrogen and progesterone receptors in different size classes of ovarian follicles in dromedary camels

Abstract EN

The present study aimed to investigate the normal distribution of estrogen (ER %) and progesterone (PR) receptors in the different classes of the ovarian follicles of the shecamel and their relation with the serum and follicular estrogen and progesterone hormonal level.

The ER % and PR were detected using an indirect immunohistochemistry method (streptavidin-biotin immunoperoxidase method).

Serum and follicular hormone levels were measured by radioimmunoassay.

ER % was detected at low amounts in the follicular cells of the primordial, primary follicles and corpora lutea while, detected at moderate in the secondary follicles and high in the oocytes and in the tertiary follicles.

On other hand, PR was detected in low reaction in secondary follicles and tertiary follicles.

Moreover, it was estimated in a moderate reaction corpora lutea and corpora albicantia and stroma cells and in a strong reaction in the blood vessels.

Estrogen concentration in both follicular fluid and serum correlated negatively (not significantly) with the size of the follicle while a positive non significant correlation was found between serum progesterone and the size of the corpus luteum.

Serum and follicular fluid estrogen was higher in follicles exceeding 15 mm more than the lesser follicular categories.

Slight difference in the concentration of estrogen was found between follicles less than 10 mm in diameter and those between 10-15 mm.

The expression of ER and PR and the secretion of their specific hormones in the ovary of she-camel were not always correlated with the presence of the hormones.