Immunolocalization of NGF and its receptors trkA and p75 in the oviducts of golden hamsters during the estrous cycle.

To investigate the physiological roles of nerve growth factor (NGF) in the oviduct of golden hamsters during the estrous cycle, the localization of NGF and its receptors, trkA and p75, were determined by immunohistochemistry. Positive staining of NGF, trkA, and p75 was present in epithelial cells and muscle cells of the infundibulum, ampulla, and isthmus in the oviduct. The intensities of the immunohistochemical signals for NGF, trkA, and p75 did not markedly change in any segment of the oviduct during the estrous cycle. These results suggest that NGF may play autocrine/paracrine roles in oviductal transport, fertilization, capacitation of spermatozoa and early embryonic development in the oviduct of golden hamsters.