Expression and localization of tubulin cofactors TBCD and TBCE in human gametes.

The tubulin cofactors TBCD and TBCE play an essential role in regulation of the microtubule dynamics in a wide variety of somatic cells, but little information is known about the expression of these cofactors in human sperm and oocytes. In this study, we focused on the investigation of the presence of, and the differential distribution of, the tubulin cofactors TBCD and TBCE in human sperm and during human oocyte maturation. We performed expression assays for TBCD and TBCE by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), western blot and immunofluorescence and verified the presence of both cofactors in human gametes.

Local effects of mifepristone on the nonhuman primate endometrium.

Objective: To determine the effects of a low-dose mifepristone regimen on endometrium in the rhesus monkey by endometrial staging and analysis of molecular markers of endometrial receptivity.

Design: A prospective, randomized comparative study.

Setting: Academic research environment.