RESUMO
Fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) are polypeptides involved in the regulation of oogenesis and folliculogenesis by inducing ovarian mitogenic, homeostatic and angiogenic activity. This study was aimed at determining the localisation of FGF ligands (FGF1 and FGF2) and FGF receptor 2 (FGFR2) in the rat ovary by immunohistochemical analyses, at pregnancy and the postpartum period. During pregnancy and the postpartum period, positive FGF1 immunoreactions were observed in the nucleus and cytoplasm of germinative epithelial cells, granulosa cells of follicles in different developmental stages, theca interna cells, interstitial cells, luteal cells and atretic follicles. FGF2 immunoreactivity was strong in the cytoplasm of the endothelial cells and smooth muscle cells of the ovarian blood vessels and in the smooth muscle cells of the ovarian cortex and medulla. Strong FGFR2 immunoreactivity was observed in the stromal cells surrounding the blood vessels and rete ovarii. Immunoreaction intensity of the FGF1, FGF2 and FGFR2 had relatively similar abundances between the periods examined. Considering that FGFs act as local regulators in oogenesis, folliculogenesis, follicular atresia, ovulation, corpus luteum formation and regression and angiogenesis, this study supports the idea that FGFs may also be involved in these physiological functions in rat ovaries during pregnancy and postpartum period.