We describe the isolation of a cloned cDNA from a cDNA library of oviduct of estrogen-treated adult Xenopus. Although the protein encoded by this cDNA is not known, it is designated as FOSP-1 (frog oviduct-specific protein-1). A partial restriction map of FOSP-1 cDNA, which is 1.5 kb in size, is presented. Northern hybridization analysis showed that FOSP-1 cDNA codes for a single species of mRNA of 2.6 kb which is exclusively expressed in Xenopus oviduct. Southern blot analysis showed that the gene was present in only one or two copies. Sequencing of partial FOSP-1 cDNA did not reveal homology with any protein in the sequence data bank. Measurement of steady-state levels of FOSP-1 mRNA in primary cultures of Xenopus oviduct cells by a technique of quantitative slot-blot analysis showed that both 17 beta and 17 alpha stereoisomers of estradiol caused a rapid 5-fold enhancement of accumulation of the mRNA with maximum values obtained at 5 X 10(-8) M estrogen. Progesterone caused only a small increase in FOSP-1 mRNA concentration. This hormone-specific induction of mRNA makes FOSP-1 a valuable candidate for exploring tissue specificity of regulation by estrogen of gene expression.