Fig. 3: Cyclic GMP maintains TZPs. | Nature Communications

Fig. 3: Cyclic GMP maintains TZPs.

From: Epidermal growth factor receptor signaling uncouples germ cells from the somatic follicular compartment at ovulation

Fig. 3

a Confocal images of COCs obtained from antral follicles of eCG-primed mice and incubated under the indicated conditions. Arrows indicate condensed chromosomes, confirming that GVBD has occurred. b Mean and SEM of number of TZPs following incubation under the indicated conditions, normalized to the number at 0 h. Each point represents an individual COC. n = 42 (0 h), 30 (4 h), 54 (8 h), 10 (12 h), 16 (16 h) COCs examined over four independent experiments. Statistical analysis using one-way ANOVA with Tukey multiple-comparison test. **** P < 0.0001. c Schematic showing CNP released by mural granulosa cells activates NPR2 receptor, which produces cGMP, on mural and cumulus granulosa cells. Gap junctions at the TZP tips permit cGMP to be transferred to the oocyte. Gap junctions also connect the mural and cumulus cells. EGF inhibits the activity of NPR2. The dotted line illustrates that COCs removed from antral follicles are deprived of CNP. d Confocal images of COCs obtained from antral follicles of eCG-primed mice and incubated under the indicated conditions. Dashed circles outline the nucleus of immature oocytes. e Mean and SEM of number of TZPs following incubation under the indicated conditions, normalized to the number at 0 h. Each point represents an individual COC. n = 25 (0 h), 31 (18 h), 34 (18 h CNP), 28 (18 h cGMP) COCs examined over three independent experiments. Statistical analysis using one-way ANOVA with Tukey multiple-comparison test. **** P < 0.0001. f Confocal images of COCs obtained from antral follicles of eCG-primed mice and incubated under the indicated conditions. Dashed circles outline the nucleus of immature oocytes; arrow indicates polar body of mature oocyte. g Mean and SEM of number of TZPs following incubation under the indicated conditions, normalized to the number at 0 h. Each point represents an individual COC. n = 47 (0 h), 20 (8 h EGF), 25 (8 h EGF CNP), 43 (8 h EGF cGMP) COCs examined over four independent experiments. Statistical analysis using one-way ANOVA with Tukey multiple-comparison test. **** P < 0.0001. *** P = 0.009. Scale bar (a, d, f) = 10 µm.

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