Ovarian prostaglandin endoperoxide synthase: cellular localization during the rat estrous cycle

The specific cellular localization of prostaglandin endoperoxide (PGH) synthase was studied throughout the rat estrous cycle. Animals were necropsied at 1300 h on each day of the 4-day cycle, and an additional group was necropsied at 2300 h on proestrus. Ovaries were removed and processed for cellular identification of PGH synthase by immunohistochemistry. At all stages of the cycle, intense immunostaining was observed in newly formed corpora lutea. Luteal cells were immunoreactive, but the connective tissue centrum was unstained. Interstitial tissue contained heavily labeled cells, whereas the germinal epithelium exhibited faint staining. During estrus, metestrus, and diestrus, thecal cells from preantral and antral follicles contained PGH synthase immunoreactivity, but granulosa cells were unstained. Faint staining of mural granulosa cells was observed first in 78% of preovulatory follicles (less than 400-microns diameter) in ovaries collected on the afternoon of proestrus. After the luteinizing hormone surge, 95% of the preovulatory follicles exhibited PGH synthase staining. The percentage of immunoreactive granulosa cells in these preovulatory follicles increased 4-fold in ovaries collected at 2300 h on proestrus. The presence of ovarian PGH synthase throughout the rat estrous cycle and the changes in cellular localization may reflect the potential role of PGs in follicular and luteal function.