S. Brugo Olmedo

Mitochondrial Sheath Configuration in Abnormal Human Sperm

mRNA was isolated from the oviductal mucosal layer and RT-PCR performed. Relative band intensities, visualized by UV light following agarose gel electrophoresis, were determined by a densitometer reading. A semiquantitative value for oviductin mRNA expression was derived from the ratio of oviductin to b-actin. The student T-test for independent samples was used to evaluate statistical significance for differences seen and the Pearson product-moment correlation coefficient was used to determine significant correlation. Results: Oviductin mRNA was expressed throughout the ovulatory cycle with the lowest expression seen in the late luteal phase. The level of mRNA expression was significantly higher in the late follicular phase. (5.35 6 0.12) than in the early follicular phase (1.85 6 0.3) or the late luteal phase (0.57 6 0.43) (P,0.001). The concentrations of E2 and P were significantly correlated with oviductin mRNA (P,0.05) however the concentration of LH was more strongly correlated with oviductin mRNA expression (P, 0.01). Conclusions: Oviductin mRNA is expressed throughout the ovulatory cycle, however, its expression increases around the time of ovulation. For the first time a possible regulatory role of LH in human oviductin mRNA expression has been identified.