Detection of gonadotrophic hormones on isolated thecal interstitial cells of the domestic hen, Gallus domesticus, by an immunohistochemical method.

An immunohistochemical method was used to demonstrate the presence of gonadotrophins in isolated ovarian interstitial cells. The cells were obtained by collagenase digestion of large ovarian follicles after removal of the yolk and the granulosa layer. Using a peroxidase-labelled anti-rabbit serum with anti-chicken follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) serum raised in rabbits, a strong positive reaction was obtained. Anti-human FSH serum also produced a positive result but the reaction was weaker. There was no apparent difference in the staining reaction of cells which had been preincubated with ovine FSH serum. Treatment with anti-ovine luteinizing hormone (LH) resulted in a faintly positive reaction. The viability of the cells was tested by the Trypan Blue method and they were identified as steroid-producing cells by the histochemical demonstration of their 3 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase activity.