Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 26, 2026

Ovarian Tissue Culture to Visualize Phenomena in Mouse Ovary
Published on: June 19, 2018
Stage-specific and differential expression of gap junctions in the mouse ovary: connexin-specific roles in follicular
C S Wright1, D L Becker, J S Lin
1Department of Reproductive Science and Medicine, Division of Paediatrics, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Imperial College School of Medicine, Hammersmith Hospital, Du Cane Road, London W12 0NN, UK. catherine.wright@ic.ac.uk
Abstract:
Gap junction communication plays an essential role in follicle growth. Immunocytochemistry and confocal microscopy were used to examine the expression of gap junction connexins of the alpha and beta subfamilies in follicles from primordial to preovulatory stages in the ovaries of prepubertal and adult mice. Connexin-specific antibodies detected alpha(1), alpha(4), alpha(6), beta(1), beta(2) and beta(4) connexins within follicles. In adult ovaries connexin immunolabelling was stronger in larger (more mature) follicles than it was in smaller follicles, with comparatively reduced labelling detected in prepubertal ovaries. In healthy follicles, labelling for alpha subfamily connexins was detected between granulosa cells, whereas labelling for beta subfamily connexins was found in the theca. Labelling for beta subfamily connexins and alpha(4) connexin (preantral stage) was detected on the oocyte surface membrane. In atretic follicles, labelling for beta(4) connexin appeared between the granulosa cells. These results demonstrate that alpha and beta connexin subfamilies are segregated to separate cellular compartments in the mouse follicle. The results are discussed in the light of possible roles for differential gap junctional communication in the regulation of folliculogenesis, oocyte maturation and atresia.
Related Concept Videos
Gap Junctions
Gap Junctions
Oogenesis
Each primary oocyte is surrounded by a layer of pre-granulosa cells, forming what is known...
Folliculogenesis
Hormonal Control of the Ovarian Cycle
Before puberty, the hypothalamus releases GnRH in a low frequency, low amplitude pulsatile manner. This along with the immature hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis activity, results in low estrogen levels and the absence of a fully functional ovarian cycle. At puberty, GnRH secretion increases in both frequency and...

