Increased Formation of Follicular Antrum in Aquaporin-8-Deficient Mice Is Due to Defective Proliferation and Migration, and Not Steroidogenesis of Granulosa Cells.

ABSTRACT: Aquaporin-8 (AQP8) is a water channel protein expressed exclusively in granulosa cells (GCs) in mouse ovary. Our previous studies of AQP8-deficient (AQP8^-/-) mice demonstrated that AQP8 participates in folliculogenesis, including in the formation of follicles, ovulation, and atresia. However, its physiological function in formation of the antral follicle is still largely unknown. In the present study, we observed significantly increased numbers of antral follicles in AQP8^-/- ovaries as well as significantly increased follicular antrum formation in in vitro 3D culture of AQP8^-/- follicles. Functional detection of AQP8^-/- GCs indicated that cell proliferation is impaired with FSH treatment, and wound healing and Transwell migration are also

SUBMITTER: Wang D 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6115504 | biostudies-literature | 2018

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature