1. Significance of mRNA levels of connexin37, connexin43, and connexin45 in luteinized granulosa cells of controlled hyperstimulated follicles 
Meng-Yin Tsai, M.D., M.Sc., Kuo-Chung Lan, M.D., Ko-En Huang, M.D., Fu-Jeng Huang, M.D., Fu-Tsai Kung, M.D., Shiuh-Young Chang, M.D. 
Fertility and Sterility 
Volume 80, Issue 6, Pages (December 2003)
DOI: /j.fertnstert

2. FIGURE 1
The results of semiquantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). (A) The image of cx37 RT-PCR products. The upper band is β-actin (504 bp) and the lower band is cx37 (410 bp). (B) The normalized cx37 levels of A. (C) The image of cx43 RT-PCR products. The upper band is β-actin and the lower band is cx43 (343 bp). (D) The normalized cx43 levels of C. (E) The image of cx45 RT-PCR products. The upper band is β-actin and the lower band is cx45 (399 bp). (F) The normalized cx45 levels of E. The samples from three different cases are labeled with 1, 2, and 3.
Tsai. Connexins in luteinized granulosa cells. Fertil Steril 2003.
Fertility and Sterility  , DOI: ( /j.fertnstert )

3. FIGURE 2
Southern blot hybridization to confirm the specificity of RT-PCR products. The bands specifically represent cx45, cx43, and cx37.
Tsai. Connexins in luteinized granulosa cells. Fertil Steril 2003.
Fertility and Sterility  , DOI: ( /j.fertnstert )

4. FIGURE 3
Schematic representation of the relationship between follicular volume and the connexin transcription levels. (A) Distribution of cx43 mRNA levels in granulosa cells. (B) Distribution of cx45 mRNA levels in granulosa cells. (C) Distribution of cx37 mRNA levels in granulosa cells. Longitudinal axis: logarithmic normalized mRNA level; horizontal axis: volume of follicle; vertical dashed line: the line of volume at 5.5 mL; horizontal dashed line: the line of the highest connexin level in the follicles ≥5.5 mL. The correlation between the connexins levels and the follicles grouped by volume is analyzed using the Mann-Whitney test. The normalized mean levels of cx43, cx45, and cx37 in the small follicles (<5.5mL) are ± 88.91, ± 29.24, and ± 34.30, respectively; and the mean levels of cx43, cx45, and cx37 in the large follicles (≥5.5 mL) are 1.24 ± 1.05, 0.88 ± 0.67, and 0.75 ± 0.60, respectively. The P values for cx43, cx45, and cx37 are .011, .538, and .267, respectively.
Tsai. Connexins in luteinized granulosa cells. Fertil Steril 2003.
Fertility and Sterility  , DOI: ( /j.fertnstert )

5. FIGURE 4
The outcome of oocytes in different groups classified by volume and connexin levels. The outcome is defined by the percentage of the oocytes developed to eight-cell good-quality embryos 72 hours after insemination. All statistics were analyzed using Fisher's exact test. The P value is at the top right of each figure. (A) The correlation between the volume and the outcome. The group 1 includes the follicles <5.5 mL Group 2 includes the follicles ≥5.5 mL. (B) The correlation between the level of cx43 and the outcome of oocytes. Group includes the follicles <5.5 mL and is expressed at high cx43 levels. Group 2 includes the small follicles with low cx43 levels. Group 3 is the group of follicles ≥5.5 mL. (C) The correlation between the level of cx45 and the outcome of oocytes. The follicles are grouped as in B. (D) The correlation between the level of cx37 and the outcome of oocytes. The follicles are grouped as in B.
Tsai. Connexins in luteinized granulosa cells. Fertil Steril 2003.
Fertility and Sterility  , DOI: ( /j.fertnstert )