Progesterone and oestrogen receptor immunoreactivity in the vagina of the immature ostrich, Struthio camelus.

1. The presence of sperm storage tubules in the cranial, middle and caudal regions of the vagina in the immature ostrich was studied. In addition, progesterone and oestrogen receptor immunoreactivity in these regions was investigated. 2. Sperm storage tubules were observed only in birds with active ovaries. Progesterone receptor immunoreactivity was more intense in birds with active ovaries, whilst immunostaining for the oestrogen receptor was absent in birds with both active and inactive ovaries. 3. These results suggest that steroid hormones produced by the active ovary mediate the activation of the progesterone receptor.