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Abnormally low expression of connexin 37 and connexin 43 in subcutaneously transplanted cryopreserved mouse ovarian tissue

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Abstract

Purpose

To analyze the gap junction proteins connexin 37 (Cx37) and connexin 43 (Cx43) after subcutaneous transplantation of cryopreserved mouse ovarian tissue.

Methods

Expression of gap junction genes was assessed by immunohistochemistry and real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in transplanted cryopreserved ovarian tissue compared with that of normal ovarian tissue. Apoptosis of ovarian cells was evaluated by using the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated biotinylated deoxyuridine triphosphates nick end-labeling method.

Results

After subcutaneous transplantation, Cx37 and Cx43 mRNA and protein expression were significantly lower in cryopreserved than in normal ovarian tissue. Apoptosis was increased in granulosa cells from antral follicles of the cryopreserved tissue.

Conclusion

After cryopreservation and subcutaneous transplantation of ovarian tissue, proteins forming gap junctions between oocytes and granulosa cells are under-expressed compared with normal controls.

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Acknowledgements

This work was supported by grants from the National Science Council (NSC93-2314-B-195-011) and Mackay Memorial Hospital (MMH 9408), Taipei, Taiwan.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Medical Research, Mackay Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan

    Robert Kuo-Kuang Lee, Sheng-Hsiang Li, Chung-Hao Lu & Ying-Jie Chen

  2. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mackay Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan

    Hsin-Yi Ho

  3. Department of Internal Medicine, Mackay Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan

    Hung-I Yeh

  4. Nursing and Management College, Mackay Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan

    Sheng-Hsiang Li

  5. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan

    Robert Kuo-Kuang Lee

  6. Institute of Biotechnology, College of Bio-Resources and Agriculture, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan

    Chung-Hao Lu

  7. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mackay Memorial Hospital, 92, Sec. 2, Chung San North Road, Taipei, 10449, Taiwan

    Robert Kuo-Kuang Lee

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  1. Robert Kuo-Kuang Lee
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Robert Kuo-Kuang Lee.

Additional information

Robert Kuo-Kuang Lee and Sheng-Hsiang Li contributed equally to this work.

Capsule

Abnormally low expression of Cx37 on oocytes and Cx43 on granulosa cells in subcutaneously transplanted cryopreserved mouse ovaries may contribute to failure of oocyte maturation.

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Lee, R.KK., Li, SH., Lu, CH. et al. Abnormally low expression of connexin 37 and connexin 43 in subcutaneously transplanted cryopreserved mouse ovarian tissue. J Assist Reprod Genet 25, 489–497 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10815-008-9264-8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10815-008-9264-8

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