Investigation of the Distribution and Expression Level of Pro and Anti-Apoptotic Bax and Bcl-2 in Ovarian Follicles at Different Developmental Stages

Background: In this study we aimed to investigate the distribution and expression level of pro anti-apoptotic proteins, Bax Bcl-2, in different developmental stages ovarian follicles any relations between these proteins follicle atresia. Materials Methods: For that purpose, bilateral 16 ovaries adult 8 mice were received tissues fixed 10% neutral buffered formalin. Routine tissue processing protocol was performed samples embedded into paraffin blocks. Five µm thick sections stained with Bcl-2 immunohistochemistry. The classified as primordial, primary, secondary antral. Distribution levels evaluated among within stages. also compared atretic ratio. Results: Immunopositivity observed stromal cells, granulosa, oocytes, lutheal cells a varying range. Despite some immunpositivity, most primordial primary granulosa oocytes negative for apoptosis regulator proteins. intensity immunopositivity increased at farther process follicles. addition, immunoexpression significantly just beginning follicular stage intense antral Furthermore, positive which morphology. Conclusions: are crucial regulators development. Although contributes on development, correlation analyses indicated decides stronger than atresia or development fate follicle.