Localisation of epidermal growth factor receptor in the quail ovary.

The present study focuses on the distribution of EGFR in the follicular and stromal compartments of the Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica) ovary, using immunohistochemical methods and a histological ligand binding assay. EGFR was predominantly present in granulosa cells during each stage of the folliculogenesis. Furthermore, EGFR was also detected in thecal cells and in oocytes. In some cells of the vascular endothelium, of the ovarian smooth muscle, and of the surface epithelium, the presence of EGFR was detected as well. The presence of EGFR allows to formulate the hypothesis that EGFR-ligands are involved in the autocrine and/or paracrine regulation of oocyte maturation and of folliculogenesis in the quail, and possibly in all birds.