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Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology

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Open Access 01-12-2013 | Short communication

Occurrence of multi-oocyte follicles in aquaporin 8-deficient mice

Authors: Weiheng Su, Xingang Guan, Di Zhang, Meiyan Sun, Longfei Yang, Fei Yi, Feng Hao, Xuechao Feng, Tonghui Ma

Published in: Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology | Issue 1/2013

Abstract

Background

Granulosa cells play a key role in folliculogenesis and female reproduction. Our previous study demonstrated that water channel aquaporin-8 (AQP8) is expressed in mouse follicular granulosa cells and is an important determinant of granulosa cell apoptosis and follicular maturation. More roles of AQP8 in folliculogenesis remain to be determined.

Findings

The present study reports the increased occurrence of multi-oocyte follicles (MOFs) in ovaries of AQP8 knockout mice. The MOFs in AQP8-deficient ovaries contained two or three oocytes, and distributed at various follicle stages including primary (12.5%), secondary (50%), antral (18.8%) and atretic (18.8%) follicles in 5-week ovaries. The MOF is occasionally seen in wild-type ovary only in primary and secondary follicles. The number of MOFs in AQP8-deficient ovary reduced with age (26.7 +/− 5.2 per ovary at 5 weeks old, 14 +/− 5.5 at 10 weeks old, and 3.3 +/− 5.1 at 20 weeks old). mRNA expression of AQP5, AQP7, AQP8, AQP11 and AQP12 was detected in neonatal mouse ovaries and in granulosa cells in 4 week old mouse ovaries. The expression of AQP7, AQP11 and AQP12 mRNAs are decreased significantly in neonatal AQP8-deficient ovaries, whereas AQP5 mRNA expression remains unchanged.

Conclusions

The emergence of MOFs is associated with AQP8 deficiency. The study suggested the involvement of AQP8 in the formation of follicles and provided new insight into the molecular mechanisms of folliculogenesis.

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Title: Occurrence of multi-oocyte follicles in aquaporin 8-deficient mice
Authors: Weiheng Su
Xingang Guan
Di Zhang
Meiyan Sun
Longfei Yang
Fei Yi
Feng Hao
Xuechao Feng
Tonghui Ma
Publication date: 01-12-2013
Publisher: BioMed Central
Published in: Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology / Issue 1/2013
Electronic ISSN: 1477-7827
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/1477-7827-11-88

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Occurrence of multi-oocyte follicles in aquaporin 8-deficient mice

Abstract

Background

Findings

Conclusions

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Findings

Conclusions

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