Potential of aquaporins and connexins in dogs and their relation to the reproductive tract

Abstract

The complexity of processes in the female reproductive system of mammals is extremely sophisticated. The overall relationship between the processes during the oestrus cycle in animals is quite well understood, but the molecular background of these processes still requires an in-depth analysis. Bitches are distinguished by a specific course of sexual cycle during which the oocyte matures after ovulation in the oviduct. Other species of mammals are characterized by maturation of the oocyte within the ovary. Acquisition of developmental competence by cumulus – oocyte complexes seems to be a process with a complex molecular background, and the key to understanding it may be the analysis of intercellular channels. Aquaporins and connexins are structural proteins that are built into the cell membrane. Their location is widespread in many body tissues. Recent years have shown that they exhibit significant expression in different parts of the mammalian reproductive system, although the number of studies on dogs is still negligible. This review paper presents the current state of knowledge of water channels and gap junction connections in different animal species, with particular focus on dogs, and also explores the role of aquaporins and connexins in the acquisition of reproductive competences.