Are the levels of Cdk4 and Cx43 proteins of porcine oocytes associated with follicular size?

Abstract Gap junction connections are formed by proteins which play an important role in oocyte developmental competency but there is little information on the relationship between follicle size and the expression of genes encoding these proteins. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential association between follicle size and the levels of Cdk4 and Cx43 proteins using western blot analysis and confocal microscopic observations. Cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) were collected from puberal gilts (n = 20) of large (>5 mm), medium (3-5 mm), and small (