Female infertility in mice lacking connexin 37

摘要: The signals regulating ovarian follicle development and the mechanisms by which they are communicated largely undefined. At birth, ovary contains primordial follicles consisting of meiotically arrested oocytes surrounded a single layer supporting (granulosa) cells. Periodically, subsets undergo further during oocyte increases in size granulosa cells proliferate, stratify develop fluid-filled antrum. After ovulation, resume meiosis retained differentiate into steroidogenic cells, forming corpus luteum. It has been proposed that intercellular signalling through gap junction channels may influence aspects follicular development. Gap junctions aggregations composed connexins, family at least 13 related proteins directly connect adjacent allowing diffusional movement ions, metabolites, other potential molecules. Here we show connexin 37 is present between 37-deficient mice lack mature (Graafian) follicles, fail to ovulate numerous inappropriate corpora lutea. In addition, arrests before meiotic competence achieved. Thus, cell-cell critically regulates highly coordinated set cellular interactions required for successful oogenesis ovulation.