An oocyte-specific antigen and its possible role in the organization of the ovarian follicle of the rat.

An oocyte-specific antigen was detected by an antiserum produced in isogenic Lewis rats. The antigen was sensitive to trypsin treatment. Dissociation-reorganization experiments in vitro, using ovarian cells demonstrated that the antigen is required for the interaction of germ cells and somatic cells. A physiologic role is suggested for this differentiation antigen in follicular morphogenesis and ovarian function.