EN
Aquaporins (AQP) are hydrophobic integral membrane channel proteins that facilitated water transport across the plasma membrane. In this study, the reverse transcription real-time polymerase chain reaction (Real-Time RT-PCR) assay was used to determine the expression of genes encoding AQP1, AQP5 and AQP9 in porcine ovarian follicles, separated theca and granulosa cells of six experimental groups: early-luteal (days 2–4), mid-luteal (days 10–12 of the cycle, coinciding with a period of full active corpora lutea corresponding to the activity of corpora lutea in the period of pregnancy), late-luteal (days 14–16 of the cycle, coinciding with a period of luteal regression and development of a new cohort of follicles) and follicular group (days 18–20) of the oestrous cycle, as well as early implantation (days 14–16) and post-implantation, placentation group (days 30–32) of gestation. Significant differences in the AQP1, AQP5 and AQP9 genes expression between studied groups appeared only in the separated theca and granulosa cells. In the present study it is implied that the AQP1, 5 and 9 participate in the formation of follicular fluid and follicular development. These three examined AQPs appear to act interdependently, thereby maintaining tissue homeostasis.