Role of superoxide dismutase in the fallopian tube function: Immunohistochemical assessment of superoxide dismutase in the fallopian tube.

We carried out an immunohistochemical analysis to determine the localization of CuZn superoxide dismutase (SOD) in the human fallopian tube throughout the menstrual cycle and after menopause. CuZn-SOD immunoreactivity was shown in the columnar epithelium of the fallopian tube. Immunoreactivity was more intense in the ciliated epithelial cells than in the non-ciliated epithelial cells of both the ampulla and the isthmus portions. Immunoreactivity was observed not only in the cytoplasm but also in the nucleus of the ciliated epithelial cells. In comparison, stromal cells showed none or weak immunoreactivity. These immunoreactive patterns of intensity and localization remained unchanged throughout the menstrual cycle and after menopause. Collectively, the present immunohistochemical results suggest that CuZn-SOD may play an important role in fallopian tube function such as the protection of developing embryos from superoxide anion radicals and the local defense mechanisms against infection or inflammation in the fallopian tube.