Comparative immunohistochemical distribution of connexin 37 and connexin 43 throughout folliculogenesis in the bovine ovary.

Among gap junctional proteins previously identified in the mouse ovary, connexins (Cx) Cx37 and Cx43 appeared to be essential for normal follicular growth. The aim of this work was to detect Cx37 expression in the bovine ovary, then to quantify and compare its follicular distribution pattern with that of Cx43 using quantitative analysis of immunofluorescently labeled ovary sections viewed with a confocal laser scanning microscope. Cx37 immunoreactivity was detected in bovine ovarian follicles and was predominantly localized at preantral stages. Unlike follicular Cx43 expression which was restricted to granulosa cells, Cx37 staining was observed in both oocyte and granulosa cell compartments. While no changes were seen during early follicular growth, the level of Cx37 expression decreased significantly at the onset of antral cavity formation (P </= 0.01). On the contrary to what was found for Cx37, Cx43 was weakly expressed in preantral follicles. Concomitant with antrum formation, the level of Cx43 expression increased significantly (P </= 0.01). A further increase was correlated with antral follicular size (P </= 0.01). Cx43 immunoreactivity declined significantly in morphologically atretic follicles (P </= 0.01). A comparative analysis showed that Cx37 and Cx43 expression patterns were differentially regulated and could reflect specific physiological roles for each gap junction protein throughout folliculogenesis in cow.