Abstract
The inhibitor of gap junctions 18α-glycerretinic acid inhibits the maturation of follicle-enclosed common frog oocytes stimulated by low progesterone concentrations. The inhibitory effect of 18α-glycyrrhetinic acid does not depend on concentrations within the limits of 5–40 μM. The progesterone concentrations, at which oocyte maturation can be inhibited, differed markedly in different females. The inhibitory effects of actinomycin D (5 μg/ml) and 18α-glycyrrhetinic acid (5 μg/ml) were expressed when the same progesterone concentrations were used. When injected in an intact oocyte, Lucifer yellow was transferred into the follicle cells, thus suggesting the presence of gap junction between these latter and the oocyte. The data obtained suggest that the previously described transcription-dependent factor formed in the follicle cells under the influence of low progesterone concentrations and stimulating oocyte maturation is transferred in the oocyte via gap junctions.
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Skoblina, M.N. Involvement of Gap Junctions in Stimulation of in vitroMaturation of the Common Frog Oocytes by Low Progesterone Concentrations. Russian Journal of Developmental Biology 35, 283–287 (2004). https://doi.org/10.1023/B:RUDO.0000043821.87268.ca
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1023/B:RUDO.0000043821.87268.ca