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Effects of Testosterone on Production of Perivitelline Membrane Glycoprotein ZPC by Granulosa Cells of Japanese Quail (Coturnix japonica)
Avian perivitelline membrane, an investment homologous to the zona pellucida of mammalian oocytes, is composed of at least two glycoproteins. Previous studies have indicated that one of the components, a glycoprotein homologous to mammalian ZPC, is produced and secreted by the granulosa cells of dev...
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Published in: | Biology of reproduction 2001-01, Vol.64 (1), p.310-316 |
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Main Authors: | , , , , |
Format: | Article |
Language: | English |
Subjects: | |
Online Access: | Get full text |
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Summary: | Avian perivitelline membrane, an investment homologous to the zona pellucida of mammalian oocytes, is composed of at least
two glycoproteins. Previous studies have indicated that one of the components, a glycoprotein homologous to mammalian ZPC,
is produced and secreted by the granulosa cells of developing follicles of the chicken ovary. In the present study, we evaluated
the expression and regulation of ZPC in Japanese quail ( Coturnix japonica ) granulosa cells both in vivo and in vitro. Western blot analysis of the SDS-solubilized granulosa layer using anti-quail
ZPC antiserum showed that the amount of ZPC increased in parallel with follicular development. Northern blot analysis of total
RNA using cDNA of quail ZPC showed that the increase in mRNA expression was also correlated with follicular development. To
investigate the regulation of ZPC production, the granulosa cells were cultured in a medium containing steroid hormones such
as progesterone, estradiol-17β, or testosterone. By measuring ZPC protein and mRNA with Western and Northern blot analyses,
respectively, we found that addition of testosterone maintained ZPC contents in the culture of the granulosa cells, and that
ZPC mRNA expression was high in the culture with testosterone compared to the control. These results suggest that testosterone
stimulates ZPC protein production at the gene transcription level. |
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ISSN: | 0006-3363 1529-7268 |
DOI: | 10.1095/biolreprod64.1.310 |