Expression of TNF-alpha mRNA, but not of TNF-alpha receptors mRNA, is detected in single murine oocyte and decreases during oocyte meiotic maturation: single-cell RT-PCR data.

Background: The present study was conducted to investigate the expression of TNF-alpha and its receptors (types I and II) in both oocytes with germinal vesicle and the first polar body in mice.

Methods: Oocytes with intact germinal vesicle were isolated from mouse ovaries and subjected to in vitro maturation to obtain oocytes forming the first polar body. A reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was used to examine the expression of TNF-alpha and its receptors at mRNA level.

[Regulation of oocyte meiotic resumption in mammals].

Currently, the molecular mechanisms involved in induction of oocyte meiotic resumption in the pre-ovulatory follicle which may include (involve) the elimination of meiosis inhibiting factors and/or the accumulation or activation of oocyte maturation signals are actively studied. The present review summarizes the existing literature data regarding the participation of cyclic monophosphates (cAMP and cGMP), protein kinases (mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), AI, AII, B, C, G), epidermal-growth factors (EGF), EGF-like factors, mRNA EGF and EGF-like factors, ovarian steroid hormones and sterols, as well as transcription factors NF-kappaB and CREB (cAMP response element binding protein) in the regulation of mammalian oocyte meiotic resumption. Such scheme of regulation of oocyte meiotic resumption is discussed (considered): the action ofgonadotrophins, FSH and LH, causes increase the production ofcAMP and subsequent activation of MAPK.

[Production of immunoregulatory cytokines in autoimimune damage of the ovaries in mammals].

Several ovarian disorders in women are associated with autoimmune factors. In this study it was investigated a level of cytokines--TNF-alpha and IFNs in ovarian homogenate and blood serum at ovarian autoimmune damage of mammals. Experimental immune ovarian failure was induced in CBA mice by either immunization with allogenic ovarian extracts or administration of xenogenic anti-ovarian antibodies.

[Cytokines and their role in reproductive system].

In this review we analyze the involvement of cytokines in regulation of ovarian function. A growing body of evidence suggests that the ovary is a site of inflammatory reactions. Immune-competent cells present within the ovary may constitute potential in-situ modulators of ovarian function that act through local secretion of regulatory soluble factors cytokines.