a b s t r a c t
Stanniocalcin 1 (STC 1) is a glycoprotein involved in mineral homeostasis and was first identified in fish.
Its mammalian homologue has been implicated in the regulation of various biological processes, includ-
ing angiogenesis and steroidogenesis both of which are fundamental events in ovarian function. Interest-
ingly, the highest level of STC 1 expression in mammals occurs in ovarian tissue but no information is
available on swine species. Therefore, the present study was undertaken to investigate the expression
and the immunolocalization of STC 1 in swine ovary. In addition, we evaluated whether swine granulosa
cells synthesize STC 1 and its possible modulation by hypoxia, a physiological condition in ovarian follicle
growth.
Our data show STC 1 for the first time in swine ovary; moreover, we demonstrate STC 1 production by
granulosa cells, both in basal condition and in response to oxygen deprivation. The latter is suggestive of a
potential modulatory role for STC 1 in hypoxia-driven angiogenesis.
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