Subcellular localization of oxytocin in the ovine corpus luteum

The subcellular localization of oxytocin within the corpus luteum of sheep was investigated using differential and density gradient centrifugation. Oxytocin was associated with a particulate fraction which sedimented to a density of 1.054-1.061 g/mL. The exclusion of [3H]oxytocin from this particulate fraction is indicative that particulate oxytocin represents endogenous compartmentalization. Particulate oxytocin, incubated in buffered medium at 37 degrees C, was stable for up to 1 h and the release of oxytocin was not affected by the pH of the incubation medium, over the range 5.5-8.5. Oxytocin release, however, was stimulated by incubating particle-bound oxytocin in buffered medium of low osmolality (less than 200 mosmol). These data are similar to the physicochemical properties reported for peptide-containing neurohypophysial secretory granules. Ultrastructural analysis of oxytocin-containing fractions revealed the presence of electron-dense granules (diameter, 200-250 nm). These data are suggestive that oxytocin, in the corpus luteum of sheep, is contained within a population of secretory granules which occur in high numbers during the midluteal phase of the oestrous cycle.