Figure 2
From: Granulosa cell endothelin-2 expression is fundamental for ovulatory follicle rupture
Edn2KO ovaries grafted under the kidney capsule have decreased ovulatory ability. (A) Experimental plan for WT and Edn2KO ovary grafting. Pups were euthanized at post-natal day 6 (PND6) and ovaries were grafted under the kidney capsule of 28–32 day old control females. Mice were then superovulated 18 days after transplantation and ovaries were collected. (B) Ovaries were collected at hCG12 hours; RNA was extracted and RT-PCR was performed for Edn1 and Edn2 expression to confirm gene loss. Grafted Edn2KO ovaries had significantly lower Edn1 (p = 0.006) and Edn2 (p < 0.001) expression than intact WT mice. Grafted WT ovaries trended towards decreased Edn2 expression (p = 0.086). (C) At hCG 24 hrs, ovaries were collected and serially sectioned. Images are shown grossly before removal from the kidney and at 4X. Grafted ovaries become flattened with a greater diameter and are less deep. Antral follicles, corpora lutea, and immature follicles were present in all groups. (D) Ovaries collected at hCG 24 hrs were serially sectioned. The total numbers of antral follicles (AF) and corpora lutea (CL) were determined (n = 5–7). Absolute counts are displayed at left and percentages are displayed at right. When compared to grafted WT ovaries, transplanted Edn2KO ovaries trended towards a higher percentage of antral follicles and fewer CL (p = 0.088). Grafted Edn2KO ovaries had significantly more oocytes trapped within corpora luteal (p = 0.010) and a significantly greater percentage of CL with trapped oocytes (p = 0.004). Errors bars represent the SEM. KOT = kidney-ovarian transplant.
