Immunohistochemical expression of anti-oxidants in bovine oviduct epithelial cells of estral and luteal phases

Abstract

The present study aimed to evaluate immunohistochemical distributions of anti-oxidative enzymes Cu ZnSuperoxide dismutase (SOD-1), catalase, and Glutation peroxidase-1 (GPX1) in the bovine oviduct epithelial cells of estral and luteal phases. The results indicated both ciliated and secretoric cells of the oviduct mucosa exibited varying degrees of immureactivity for all. The SOD-1 and GPX1 immunostainings were more conspicuous in luteal phase while catalase immunostaining was more apparent in estral phase, especially in the isthmus region of the oviduct. In contrast to catalase, GPX1 immunoractivity was absent or limited in the isthmus. All regions of the oviduct mucosa had similar SOD-1 immunoreactivity. SOD-1 and GPX1 immunoreactivities were more apparent in samples of the luteal phase while catalase immnureactivity was higher in those of the estral phase. Presence of anti-oxidative enzymes catalase, SOD, and GPX1 immunostainings in the bovine oviduct suggests that the bovine oviduct epithelial cells are most likely engaged into synthesis of such enzymes and possibly the source of anti-oxidative enzymes in oviduct fluid. The oviduct regions, each of which executes different reproductive functions, varied by means of catalase and GPX1 expressions, suggeting that anti-oxidants may possibly contribute to different physiological proceses in the reproductive cycle. Furthermore, anti-oxidant expressions also varied between luteal and estral phases, suggesting that oviduct epithelial cells are possibly influenced by hormonal changes in regard to anti-oxidant expression. Presence of SOD-1 immunoreactivity in some but not all basal cells of the oviduct epithelial lining should be further investigated for possible heterogeneities among basal cells and for origin of secretory and ciliated cells