Immunocytochemical localization of uteroglobin in the genital tract of male rabbits.

Using the immunoperoxidase technique and specific goat anti-serum to uteroglobin, selective immunochemical staining products are localized in the epididymal epithelium of the caput and proximal corpus region, at the adluminal border of the cauda epididymidis and, as well known, in epithelial cells of the endometrium of pregnant and progesterone-treated rabbits. Specific staining is also seen on spermatozoa. A uteroglobin-like antigen has been similarly localized in alveolar and bronchial epithelial cells of the lung. Testis, prostate, seminal vesicle and ductus deferens do not seem to contain in their tissues immunoreactive uteroglobin-like antigens. Similarly, the uterus and ductus epididymidis of immature rabbits are devoid of immunoreactivity. The presence of uteroglobin-like antigens in tissues other than the endometrium, particularly the ductus epididymidis, stimulates new discussions on the function of this protein in reproductive physiology and fertility research.