Immunocytochemical localization of catechol-O-methyltransferase in the oviduct and in macrophages in corpora lutea of rat.

Catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) (EC 2.1.1.6) was localized in rat ovary, oviduct, and uterus using immunocytochemical methods. Immunoreactive deposits were found in the cytoplasm of macrophages in the ovary, epithelial cells of the oviduct, and glandular epithelial cells of the non-pregnant uterus. The pattern of localization observed in the extraneuronal elements suggest that enzyme may function in extraneuronal inactivation of catechols in the ovary, oviduct, and uterus.