OBJECTIVE to evaluate the immunohistochemical expression of proliferative, apoptotic and steroidogenic enzyme markers in the ovaries of rats with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). METHODS twenty rats were divided into two groups: GCtrl - estrous phase, and PCOS - with polycystic ovaries. The GCtrl animals were subjected to a lighting period from 7 am to 7 pm, while the animals with PCOS group...

Studies of mice with targeted disruptions of specific connexin genes have revealed that at least two connexins, connexin37 (Cx37) and connexin43 (Cx43), play essential roles in ovarian follicle development. To explore the respective roles of these two connexins in gap-junctional communication between the developing murine oocyte and its surrounding cumulus granulosa cells, we used confocal immu...

UNLABELLED BACKGROUND The purpose of the study was to determine the incidence of gene expression of Oct-4 and DAZL, which are typical markers for stem cells, in human granulosa cells during ovarian stimulation in women with normal FSH levels undergoing IVF or ICSI and to discover any clinical significance of such expression in ART. METHODS Twenty one women underwent ovulation induction for...

In studies using isolated ovarian granulosa and thecal cells it is important to assess the degree of cross contamination. Marker genes commonly used for granulosa cells include FSHR, CYP19A1 and AMH while CYP17A1 and INSL3 are used for thecal cells. To increase the number of marker genes available we compared expression microarray data from isolated theca interna with that from granulosa cells ...

cells of primordial, primary, secondary and antral follicles. Connexin 26 expression in antral follicles was decreased by R diet. The expression of Cx43 in granulosa cells of primary and granulosa and theca layers of antral follicles was increased by HSe in M diet. Thus, maternal diet affected Cx26 and Cx43 expression, and connexins may be differentially involved in regulation of fetal ovarian ...

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the influence of thyroid hormone on steroid production and cAMP accumulation in porcine theca (Tc) and granulosa cells (Gc) isolated from preovulatory follicles as well as in luteal cells isolated during the mid-developing luteal phase. METHODS: Granulosa and theca cells separated from pig ovarian follicles and pieces of corpora lutea were cultured in the incubation me...

Zearalenone (ZEA) is a natural contaminant of various food and feed products representing a significant problem worldwide. Since the occurrence of ZEA in grains and feeds is frequent, the present study was carried out to evaluate the possible effects of ZEA on steroid production and gene expression of porcine granulosa cells, using RNA-seq analysis. Porcine granulosa cells were administered 10 ...

Human ovarian cancers of granulosa cell origin currently represent approximately 3 to 5% of diagnosed cancers involving the ovary. Nevertheless, there is little known regarding either the etiology or selective treatment of granulosa cell tumors (GCT) as compared to those originating from surface epithelial cells. The ability of TRAIL to target cancer cells for apoptosis without affecting normal...

Insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) is involved in regulations of reproductive functions in rats and mice. IGF-1 expression is regulated by estrogen in several reproductive organs including the uterus and ovary. Two types of estrogen receptor (ERα and ERβ) are expressed in mouse uteri and ovaries, and it is unclear whether they differently mediate IGF-1 gene transcription. To clarify the roles...

Connexin43 (Cx43, encoded by Gja1) is required for ovarian follicle development in the mouse. It is strongly expressed in granulosa cells, in which it forms intercellular gap junction channels that couple the cells metabolically. However, recent evidence indicates that undocked gap junction hemichannels can also have physiological roles such as mediating the release of small messenger molecules...