A Monoclonal Antibody Recognizes Follicular Granulosa Cell Antigens in Porcine Ovaries

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We prepared an IgM monoclonal (PAG-1) antibody against follicular granulosa cells of porcine ovaries. Immunohistochemical reaction of the antibody was detected only in follicular granulosa cells, not in any other ovarian tissues or organs. Western blotting analysis demonstrated that 38- and 42-kD bands were present in the granulosa cell membrane samples prepared from healthy follicles. In the samples from early atretic and progressed atretic follicles, 38- and 64-kD bands were shown. During follicular atresia, the 64-kD band increased. After glycosidase treatment, the 64-kD band shifted to 42-kD, but no change was seen in the 38- and 42-kD bands. The present results indicate that the 42-kD band membrane protein is glucoconjugated during atresia, resulting in a glycoconjugated 64-kD protein appearing in the granulosa cells of the atretic follicles. We hypothesize that the glycoconjugated cell membrane protein (64-kD glycoprotein) may act as a trigger for phagocytosis in neighboring granulosa cells in atretic follicles.