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In Vitro
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Korean J Obstet Gynecol. 2002;45(12):2140-2145. Published online December 1, 2002.
- Expression of Steroidogenic Acute regulatory (StAR) Protein during Oocyte Apoptosis in the Gonadotropin-Stimulated Human Ovary.
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Sei Kwang Kim, Cheol Hong Park, Hyun Won Yang, Myoung Shin Kim, Kyung Ah Chung, Sang Wook Bai, Ki Hyun Park, Dong Jae Cho, Yong Dal Yoon, Chan Ho Song
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1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Yonsei University, College of Medicine, Korea.
2Department of Life Sciences, Hanyang University, College of Natural Sciences, Korea.
3Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ulji University, College of Medicine, Korea.
4Infertility Clinic, Seoul Women's Hospital, Korea.
- Abstract
- OBJECTIVE
To determine the distribution and expression of steroid acute regulatory (StAR) protein in human oocyte and embryo in relation to apoptosis. METHODS: Immuno-labelling and confocal microscopy were applied to examine the localization of StAR protein in human oocytes and embryos. Western blot analysis was also used for qualitative and quantitative assessment of StAR protein expression. RESULTS: There were lipid droplet accumulation in fragmented human oocytes and embryos. StAR protein (30 kDa) expression was detected in human oocytes and embryos. The level of StAR protein expression was lower in the fragmented group than the normal group. CONCLUSION: The present study provides evidence for involvement of StAR protein in the apoptosis of fragmented oocytes and embryos during in vitro fertilization (IVF) program as well as in the normal development of human oocytes and embryos.
Keywords :StAR protein;Apoptosis;Human oocyte;Embryo
