Evidence of a uteroglobin-like protein in epithelial cells of reproductive and non-reproductive tissues of the rabbit

Abstract

An antiserum raised in a goat to a uteroglobin-like protein isolated from uterine fluid of estrous rabbits was used in an immune fluorescence test to localize an antigen present in the reproductive tract of estrous and pseudopregnant rabbits and mammary gland tissue. The antigen was also present in the vas deferens and seminal vesicle, but not in testis. Non-reproductive tissues, such as lung, small intestine, bladder and thyroid showed specific fluorescent staining which was eliminated or significantly reduced by absorption of the antiserum with a purified uteroglobin preparation.