Abstract：
Connexin 43 (Cx43) is a gap junction protein that participates in small molecule exchange between adjacent cells. It is a predominant Cx within the mammalian ovary, where is associated with proper follicle development. The expression and regulation of Cx43 in the chicken ovary is largely unknown. The aim of the present study was to examine the expression of the Cx43 gene (GJA1) and protein as well as the immunolocalization of Cx43 in the laying hen ovary in relation to follicle development, and to examine how tamoxifen (TMX; an estrogen receptor modulator) treatment affects these factors. qRT-PCR and western blotting demonstrated differences in Cx43 mRNA transcript and protein abundances in ovarian white follicles, yellowish follicles, small yellow follicles, and the largest yellow preovulatory follicles (F3-F1). In general, Cx43 was more abundant in hierarchical than prehierarchical follicles and in granulosa cells compared with theca cells. Further, the response to TMX treatment depended on the stage of follicle development and the layer of the follicular wall. Ovarian regression following TMX treatment was accompanied by an increase in Cx43 expression in most ovarian tissues, which may impact the formation and function of Cx43 hemichannels. Overall, our results showed, for the first time, the differences in Cx43 mRNA and protein levels between ovarian follicles, suggesting the potential involvement of this gap junction protein in the regulation of ovarian follicle development and function. In addition, the results indicate a possible role for estradiol in regulation of Cx43 transcription and/or translation in the chicken ovary. Understanding the contribution of Cx43 in mechanisms underlying ovarian follicle development may be of considerable importance for poultry egg production.
摘要：
连接蛋白43（Cx43）是一种间隙连接蛋白，参与相邻细胞之间的小分子交换。它是哺乳动物卵巢内的主要Cx，与适当的卵泡发育有关。Cx43在鸡卵巢中的表达和调节在很大程度上是未知的。本研究的目的是检查Cx43基因（GJA1）和蛋白质的表达以及Cx43在蛋鸡卵巢中与卵泡发育的关系，并检查他莫昔芬（TMX;雌激素受体调节剂）治疗如何影响这些因素。qRT-PCR和蛋白质印迹显示Cx43mRNA转录和蛋白质丰度在卵巢白色卵泡中的差异，黄色卵泡，黄色小卵泡,和最大的黄色排卵前卵泡（F3-F1）。总的来说,Cx43在分级卵泡中比在分级前卵泡中更丰富，在颗粒细胞中比在卵泡膜细胞中更丰富。Further,对TMX治疗的反应取决于卵泡发育阶段和卵泡壁层。TMX治疗后卵巢消退伴随着大多数卵巢组织中Cx43表达的增加，这可能会影响Cx43半通道的形成和功能。总的来说,我们的结果显示,第一次,Cx43mRNA和蛋白质水平在卵巢卵泡之间的差异，提示这种间隙连接蛋白可能参与卵巢卵泡发育和功能的调节。此外,结果表明雌二醇可能在鸡卵巢中调节Cx43转录和/或翻译中发挥作用。了解Cx43在卵巢卵泡发育机制中的作用可能对禽蛋生产具有重要意义。
