Immunohistochemical localization of inhibin subunits in polycystic ovary

The immunohistochemical localization of the alpha-, beta A-, and beta B-subunits of inhibin was examined in polycystic ovary (PCO). The granulosa cells in multicystic follicles in the PCO exhibited negative immunostaining for alpha-subunit and positive staining for beta A- and beta B-subunits. In contrast, the hyperplastic thecal cells exhibited distinct positive staining for alpha-, beta A-, and beta B-subunits. The luteinized stromal cells (stromal hyperthecosis) also exhibited positive staining for each inhibin subunit. The granulosa cells in the tertiary follicle exhibited negative staining for alpha-subunit and positive staining for beta A- and beta B-subunits. No staining for each inhibin subunit was observed in the thecal layer in the tertiary follicle. The present findings suggest that immunoreactive inhibin alpha-, beta A-, and beta B-subunits are present in hyperplastic thecal and stromal cells in PCO, and that granulosa cells in the follicular cyst of PCO might not produce inhibin, in contrast ...