Bikunin and α 1 -microglobulin in human zona pellucida and connective tissue

The occurrence of bikunin and · 1 -microglobuli n was investigated in human ovary and Fallopian tubes. Bikunin and · 1 -microglobulin are transcribed in the liver from a common gene. Bikunin immunoreactivity was detected in the zona pellucida. A positive reaction for bikunin was also observed in connective tissue of the oviduct. In addition, mast cells showed a more intense posi tive reaction than the surrounding connective tissue. Specific displaceable · 1 -microglobulin immunoreactivity was revealed in the zona pellucida. The data suggest that bikunin and · 1 - microglobulin are trapped in the zona pellucida.