Expression of insulin-like growth factor 1 and its receptor in preovulatory follicles and in the corpus luteum in the bitch.

•Immunostaining showed IGF1 and its receptor IGF1R in canine preovulatory follicles.•IGF1 expression in the corpus luteum was highest during the early luteal phases.•Antigestagen (aglepristone) had no effect on luteal IGF1 and IGF1R mRNA levels.•In pregnant dogs, IGF1 and IGF1R immunostaining was detected in luteal cells, macrophages and blood vessels.