Expression and activity of Apaf1 and caspase-9 in granulosa cells during follicular atresia in pig ovaries.

摘要: Apoptosis in granulosa cells plays a crucial role ovarian follicular atresia, but the intracellular regulating mechanism, especially mitochondrion-dependent apoptosis signalling pathway, is still largely unknown. This study examined whether mitochondrial pathway associated with cell during atresia pig ovaries. Both mRNAs of caspase-9 and apoptotic protease-activating factor 1 (Apaf1), which are major signal transducing components were detected healthy, early atretic progressed follicles by RT-PCR. No changes expression Apaf1 mRNA seen increased atresia. protein was steadily prepared from western blot analysis, high precursor (procaspase-9) only healthy follicles. Decreased procaspase-9 demonstrated Proteolytic activity agreement diminution protein. Intensive not those These results indicate that mediated caspase-9, determining fate