[Expression of tyrosine kinase receptor B in human follicle].

OBJECTIVE

To study the expression of tyrosine kinase receptor B(TrkB) in human follicle and explore the significance of the expression.

METHODS

Streptavidin-biotin peroxidase complex immunocytochemistry was employed to determine the expression of TrkB on the oocytes, cumulus granulosa cells (CGCs) or mural granulosa cells (MGCs) obtained from women during controlled ovarian hyperstimulation for in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET). Western blotting was used to analyze TrkB expression level in CGCs and MGCs.

RESULTS

The results demonstrated for the first time the presence of TrkB on the surface of human ovary cells including MGCs, CGCs and the oocytes. Higher expression levels of TrkB were detected on the MGCs than on the CGCs.

CONCLUSION

It is possible that TrkB tyrosine autophosphorylation in response to neurotrophins can take part in the regulation and modulation of steroidogenesis and oocyte maturation.