Association of immunolocalization of matrix metalloproteinase 1 with ovulation in hCG-treated rabbit ovary

Matrix metalloproteinase 1, MMP-1, which was previously called interstitial collagenase, is necessary for extracellular matrix reconstruction. The immunolocalization of the latent form of MMP-1 (proMMP-1) was examined in the ovulatory process in hCG-treated (100 iu per animal) rabbit ovaries. Immunoreactive products of proMMP-1 were identified by the avidin-biotin peroxidase complex formation using an anti-rabbit proMMP-1 polyclonal antibody. ProMMP-1 was distributed in the cytoplasm of theca interna cells, theca externa cells, interstitial glands and germinal epithelium throughout ovulation. However, at 9 or 10 h after hCG treatment, this enzyme was identified in several capillary lumina around the apex of preovulatory follicles