Immunohistochemical localization of laminin within the mouse.

Laminin, a noncollagenous glycoprotein, was observed in the mouse ovary using a direct immunofluorescence technique. Laminin was localized within the basal lamina underlying growing and atretic ovarian follicles, blood vessels, and the germinal epithelium. In addition, laminin was also present at the periphery of individual corpora lutea cells. The presence of laminin in the basal lamina underlying ovarian follicles may be important for the passage of material between the follicle cells and the connective tissue stroma. In addition, its location around the corpora lutea cells may reflect an involvement in cell to cell contact as well as intercellular communication.