Immunocytochemical localization of transforming growth factor-alpha and epidermal growth factor receptor in human fallopian tubes and cumulus cells.

PROBLEM: Transforming growth factor-alpha (TGF-alpha) has been shown to be a potent stimulant of oocyte maturation and embryonic development. The role of maternal growth factors and their mechanism of action in early mammalian development is not well understood.

METHOD: In this study, the presence of TGF-alpha and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGF-R) in human cumulus cells and fallopian tubes was investigated by immunocytochemical techniques.

RESULTS

The fallopian tube showed intense staining for TGF-alpha in the apical region of the epithelial cells, and the cumulus cells showed intense staining for EGF-R on cell membranes.

CONCLUSION

The presence of TGF-alpha in the fallopian tube epithelium and its receptor on cumulus cells suggest a paracrine mechanism between maternal growth factors and the developing embryo.