Expression of calbindin-D28k in developing and growing ovaries of chicken embryos.

Immunoreactivity for 28 kd vitamin D-dependent calcium-binding protein (calbindin-D28k) has been localized in the germinal epithelium and cells surrounding oogonia and oocytes (future granulosa cells) of developing and growing ovaries of chicken embryos. The protein first appeared prominently in the germinal epithelium of the developing left ovary in 8-day embryos. At the twelfth day of incubation, cells surrounding oogonia and oocytes reacted intensely for calbindin-D28k. The number and intensity of calbindin-D28k-containing cells increased in both types of cells as the embryos further developed. Calbindin-D28k remained in the germinal epithelium throughout the study period observed (up to 10 weeks). However, the protein was present transiently in the future granulosa cells. It gradually decreased after hatching, and was virtually absent from granulosa cells in a 10-week old chicken. Compared with the known process of onset of sexual development, these results indicated possible involvement of calbindin-D28k in the early phases of oogenesis in chicken ovaries.