Immunolocalization of a proton V‐ATPase in ovarian follicles of the tobacco hornworm Manduca sexta

Abstract

AbstractA monoclonal antibody, directed against an H+ translocating V‐ATPase of the midgut of Manduca sexta, has been used for immunolocalization studies in ovarian follicles and testes of Manduca sexta. In testes, no distinct staining above background levels was observed. In vitellogenic follicles, V‐ATPase immunoreactivity first appears in the cytoplasm of the trophocytes and then in the oocyte, but by far the strongest reaction is present in the region of the oolemma during endocytosis. All types of follicle cells surrounding both the oocyte and the trophocyte compartments show a distinct positive reaction. In the cylindrical follicle cells surrounding the oocyte, the immunoreactivity is clearly restricted to the basal part. Our results suggest an important role for V‐ATPase in vitellogenin uptake in Manduca, similar to that suggested on electro‐physiological grounds in Hyalophora cecropia. © 1995 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.