The function that cumulus cells play during oocyte maturation ie, in keeping the oocyte
under arrest, in participating in the induction of meiotic resumption and in supporting …

In vitro fertilization (IVF) is currently one of the most effective methods of infertility treatment.
An alternative to commonly used ovarian hyperstimulation can become extracorporeal …

Activin is a protein originally isolated from follicular fluid as a factor stimulating FSH release
from the pituitary. The present experiments support the hypothesis that activins may also …

The mammalian gap junction is a cellular structure between adjacent cells, wherein the
apposed cellular membranes are separated by an apparent gap of approximately 3 nm (Fig …

The original model for regulation of oocyte maturation proposed by us in 1978 postulated
that gap junction-mediated transmission of cAMP from the follicle cells to the oocyte inhibits …

One important role of the junctional communication in the ovarian follicle is to mediate
transmission of cAMP, the regulatory signal that maintains the oocyte in meiotic arrest …

Purpose To investigate the role of cumulus cell contact during oocyte maturation on meiotic
spindle assembly and the acquisition of developmental competence. Methods Cumulus …

In most mammals, the oocyte in the Graafian follicle is surrounded by tightly packed layers of
cumulus cells, forming the cumulus–oocyte complex. During the preovulatory period …

The source of the inhibitory levels of cAMP that maintain oocytes meiotically arrested is
under controversy. A model for regulation of the meiotic division that suggests the transfer of …

In most mammals, the oocyte is surrounded with compact multilayers of cumulus cells; these
form cumulusoocyte complexes (COCs). During oocyte maturation, the COCs dramatically …