Expression of cytoskeletal proteins in the follicular wall of induced ovarian cysts.

SALVETTI NR; GIMENO EJ; LORENTE JA; ORTEGA HH

CELLS TISSUES ORGANS

KARGER

Año: 2004 vol. 178 p. 117 - 125

1422-6405

Several experimental models have been developed for the study of the polycystic ovarian syndrome in the rat. In the present study, the syndrome was induced by exposure to constant light, and the expression of cytoskeletal proteins in the follicular wall was evaluated by immunohistochemistry. We analyzed by image analysis the Immunohistochemical Stained Area (IHCSA) to evaluate the expression of intermediate filaments (vimentin, desmin, cytokeratins, gliofibrillary acidic protein and neurofilaments) and a-SMA in cystic ovaries in relation to normal ovaries. The granulosa cells layer of cystic follicles had a significant greater IHCSA for vimentin than the normal antral follicles. This difference was also significant between atretic and antral follicles. Cytokeratins showed a very low expression in the granulosa cells of antral follicles of control ovaries while in granulosa cells of atretic and cystic follicles showed significantly higher IHCSA. Immunohistochemical localization of desmin and a-SMA was restricted to the theca externa. Immunoreactivity for GFAP and NF was negative. These highest intensity in the staining with vimentin and cytokeratins observed in the granulosa cells of the cystic follicles is probably due to structural and functional changes, that occurs during the process of cystogenesis and they could be associated with intense changes in the expression of cytoskeletal proteins that may be essential to the proper cellular functioning.