Origin of oestrus-associated glycoproteins in bovine oviductal fluid

The aim of the present study was to determine whether the synthesis of an oestrus-associated protein found in bovine oviductal fluid varies with oviductal region, stage of cycle or day of pregnancy. Explant culture was performed using oviducts recovered from naturally cycling animals either at oestrus or 12-14 days after oestrus. Three oviductal regions, the preampulla, ampulla and isthmus, were cultured individually in the presence of 20 muCi [35S]methionine in serum-free medium for 6 h at 37 degrees C. Synthesis of oestrus-associated protein was assessed by one-dimensional SDS-PAGE, fluorography and densitometry of radiolabelled bands. Significantly more oestrus-associated protein was synthesized by the ampullar region of the oviduct, although it was detected in explant culture media from both the isthmic and preampullar regions. A polyclonal antibody produced against oestrus-associated protein was used to localize the protein in paraffin-embedded sections of oviductal explant cultures and other bovine tissues. Localization of the protein in oviductal tissue sections varied with stage of cycle (oestrus > luteal > pregnant) and region of oviduct (ampulla > preampulla/isthmus). These findings indicate an effect of oviductal region and hormonal state (cycling versus pregnant) on the synthesis and secretion of the oestrus-associated protein. Lectin affinity studies indicated that galactosyl(beta 1,3)N-acetylgalactosamine and N-acetylglucosamine residues are associated with the oestrus-associated protein.