[The expression of transforming growth factor-alpha and epidermal growth factor receptor in human fetal ovary].

Objective: To investigate the expression of transforming growth factor-alpha (TGF-alpha) and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) in cultured and uncultured human fetal ovary.

Methods: The ovarian tissues were obtained from 20 human female fetuses from 16 to 40 weeks of gestational age and were cultured for 3-9 days. Expression of TGF-alpha and EGFR protein in the fetal ovarian tissues was examined by immunohistochemical technique.

Results: TGF-alpha and EGFR were expressed in the oocytes of 17 fetal ovaries, in part of follicular cells and stromal cells. There was no correlation between gestational age and TGF-alpha, EGFR expression (P > 0.05). The immunostaining intensity of oocytes in the cultured fetal ovary was weaker than those of the uncultured ones (P < 0.05).

Conclusion: TGF-alpha and EGFR may play a role as intraovarian regulators through autocrine and paracrine mechanism.