Abstract
Type I collagen is one of the major components contained in the eggshell membrane. The aim of this study was to determine whether the expression of type I collagen mRNA is changed during the passage of the egg through the oviduct in Japanese quail. Immunofluorescent cytochemistry to localize type I collagen in the oviduct and semi-quantitative RT-PCR to examine the changes in its mRNA expression were carried out. Immunoreactive type I collagens were localized in the tubular gland cells of the isthmus as well as in the interglandular connective tissue of all the oviductal regions. The expression of type I collagen (α2) mRNA was significantly greater when the egg was in the isthmus, compared when the eggs were in the other regions. We suggest that the synthesis of type I collagen by the glandular cells of the isthmus is enhanced in association with the egg passage through that region.
