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.

Results: mRNA TNF-alpha was expressed in single oocytes and its level was decreasing during transition from germinal vesicle to the first polar body stage. At the same time the expression of TNF-receptors was not observed in single oocyte.

Conclusions: These data are the important link in understanding of the molecular mechanisms regulating oocyte maturation as well as follicle development.