Fig. 3

Immunofluorescence of control samples for relaxin, RXFP1, and RXFP2 detection. Images correspond to negative controls, without the primary antibody in sperm (a), cumulus-oocyte complex (b) and ovary section (e) preparations. Absence or weaker green FITC fluorescence signals were observed following sample incubations with FITC-conjugated antibody only. An illustration is shown in micrograph c. Cumulus-oocyte complexes incubated with anti-relaxin are shown in micrograph d. Micrographs f, g, and h are ovary sections incubated with anti-relaxin, anti-RXFP1, and anti-RXFP2 antibodies, respectively. Cells nuclei are counterstained in blue with DAPI, while protein of interests appeared green (FITC). Micrographs a, b, c, and d show stained nuclei, bright-light, green FITC-fluorescence, and the combination of all. Arrow head and arrow respectively indicate the cumulus cells and the oocyte. GC = Granulosa cells; GL = Granulosa Lutein cells; TC = Theca cells; FA = follicle antrum