344 PENTOSE PHOSPHATE PATHWAY ACTIVITY CONTROLS NUCLEAR MATURATION OF PORCINE OOCYTES

2006 ◽  
Vol 18 (2) ◽  
pp. 279 ◽  
Author(s):  
L. Tubman ◽  
A. Peter ◽  
R. Krisher
Keyword(s):  
Pentose Phosphate Pathway ◽  
Control Level ◽  
Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide Phosphate ◽  
Germinal Vesicle ◽  
Pentose Phosphate ◽  
Meiotic Stage ◽  
Germinal Vesicle Breakdown ◽  
Pathway Activity ◽  
Nuclear Maturation

Diphenyleneiodonium (DPI), an inhibitor of the pentose phosphate pathway (PPP), arrests nuclear maturation of porcine oocytes. This inhibition is reversed using products or cofactors of PPP such as nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADP), phosphoribose diphosphate (PRPP), and ribose-5-phosphate (R5P). The objective of this study was to determine the relationship between DPI-mediated meiotic inhibition, reversal of this inhibition, and metabolism of in vitro-matured (IVM) porcine oocytes. Oocytes were aspirated, searched, and selected in the presence of DPI, with the exception of control oocytes. Oocytes were then matured in one of five treatments for 40 h in 7% CO2 in air at 39°C in defined Purdue Porcine Medium for maturation (PPMmat). Treatments included control, 50 nM DPI (DPI), DPI + 5 mM NADP (NADP), DPI + 12.5 mM PRPP (PRPP), and DPI + 10 mM R5P (R5P). Following IVM, oocytes were denuded by vortexing. Glycolysis and PPP activities were measured in 4 μL hanging drops containing labeled glucose (0.0125 mM 5-3H glucose and 0.482 mM 1-14C glucose, respectively) for 3 h in 6% CO2. Oocytes were then individually fixed in a 3:2:1 solution of ethanol:acetic acid:chloroform and stained with aceto-orcein for determination of meiotic stage (germinal vesicle = 1 through metaphase II = 7). Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA. The use of DPI inhibited PPP and nuclear maturation; additionally glycolysis was decreased by DPI compared to control. Addition of NADP and PRPP increased both metabolic pathways and nuclear maturation compared to DPI. R5P restored glycolysis and nuclear maturation to control levels, and PPP to above the control level. There were no significant differences among meiotic stages relative to glycolytic activity. PPP activity was significantly different (values with different superscripts; P < 0.05) among oocytes of different meiotic stages (germinal vesicle = 0.24 ± 0.03ad, germinal vesicle breakdown = 0.40 ± 0.05bcde, condensed chromatin = 0.44 ± 0.05bcd, metaphase I = 0.45 ± 0.12abcd, anaphase = 0.76 ± 0.50abcde, telophase = 0.92 ± 0.17be, metaphase II = 0.74 ± 0.08be). Percentages of oocytes reaching MII were 43.48 (control), 2.08 (DPI), 28.30 (NADP), 18.18 (PRPP), and 46.94 (R5P). These results demonstrate that the PPP is a critical control mechanism for nuclear maturation of porcine oocytes, as inhibition of this metabolic pathway resulted in arrest of nuclear maturation. Addition of PPP cofactors or end products to the arresting medium led to reversal of inhibition as demonstrated by restoration of PPP activity resulting in nuclear maturation. Table 1. Meiotic stage, glycolysis, and pentose phosphate pathway activity after in vitro maturation of porcine oocytes

337 EFFECTS OF CANINE SYNTHETIC OVIDUCT FLUID MEDIUM SUPPLEMENTED WITH THE VARIOUS ENERGY SUBSTRATES ON IN VITRO MATURATION OF CANINE OOCYTES

2006 ◽  
Vol 18 (2) ◽  
pp. 276
Author(s):  
H. J. Oh ◽  
M. K. Kim ◽  
Y. H . Fibrianto ◽  
G. Jang ◽  
H. J. Kim ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
In Vitro Maturation ◽  
Germinal Vesicle ◽  
The Other ◽  
Germinal Vesicle Breakdown ◽  
Energy Substrates ◽  
Fluid Medium ◽  
Nuclear Maturation ◽  
First Polar Body ◽  
Oviduct Fluid

In most mammals, maturation occurs within the ovarian follicle, and preovulatory oocytes are ovulated and ready for fertilization within the oviduct. In contrast, bitch ovulate primary oocytes, over a three day period, undergo both maturation and fertilization within the oviduct. The present study was conducted to evaluate the effects of canine synthetic oviduct fluid (cSOF) supplemented with the various energy substrates on in vitro maturation of canine oocytes. Oocytes were recovered by mincing ovaries collected after ovariohysterectomy in bitches at the follicular stage. Only oocytes with more than two layers of cumulus cells and with homogeneous cytoplasm >100 mm in diameter were selected. Then, oocytes cultured in tissue culture medium (TCM)-199 (control) or cSOF supplemented with various concentrations of glucose (0, 1.11, 3.89, or 5.56 mM, Exp. 1) or fructose (0, 1.11, 3.89, or 5.56 mM, Exp. 1), pyruvate (0, 0.1, 0.25, or 0.5 mM, Exp. 2) or lactate (0, 0.5, 1.0, or 5.0 mM, Exp. 3). In Exp. 4, the combined effects of glucose (1.11 mM), pyruvate (0.5 mM) and lactate (5.0 mM) on nuclear maturation of canine oocytes were investigated. A total of 2990 canine oocytes from 205 ovaries were used for experiments with replication at least three times. The oocytes were cultured for 72 h at 38.5�C in a humidified atmosphere of 5% CO2 in air. After 72 h, the oocytes were stained with 1.9 �g/mL Hoechst 33342 in glycerol and then evaluated under UV light to determine the stage of meiosis as follows: germinal vesicle (GV), germinal vesicle breakdown (GVBD), metaphase I (MI), metaphase II (MII) with first polar body. The results of Exp. 1 showed that maturation of canine oocytes to MII was significantly higher (P < 0.05) in medium supplemented with 1.11 mM glucose (4.8%) than for the control (1.8%) and the other glucose-supplemented groups (0 to 1.8%). In Exp. 2, oocytes cultured in cSOF supplemented with 0.5 mM pyruvate showed a significantly higher (P < 0.05) maturation rate to MII (6.3%) than did the other pyruvate-supplemented (0, 0.8, or 2.5%) groups or the control (2.4%). In Exp. 3, more oocytes were matured to the MII stage in cSOF supplemented with 5.0 mM lactate (7.3%) than were the other lactate-supplemented groups (0 to 2.4%) or the control (2.5%). Results of Exp. 4 showed more oocytes progressed to MII in cSOF supplemented with 0.5 mM pyruvate (8.2%), 1.11 mM glucose + 0.5 mM pyruvate (7.4%), or 1.11 mM glucose + 0.5 mM pyruvate 0.5 + 5.0 mM lactate (7.3%) than did the other combination groups (2.2 to 5.2%). In conclusion, the present study demonstrated that supplementing cSOF with 1.11 mM glucose, 0.5 mM pyruvate, or 5.0 mM lactate significantly increased the maturation of canine oocytes to MII, and the combined supplementation of 1.11 mM glucose, 0.5 mM pyruvate, and 5.0 mM lactate further promoted oocyte nuclear maturation compared to 1.11 mM glucose alone and the control. This study was supported by grants from the Korean MOST (Top Scientist Fellowship) and MAF (Biogreen 21 #20050301-034-443-026-01-00).

171 IN VIVO AND IN VITRO MATURATION OF WOOD BISON (BISON BISON ATHABASCAE) CUMULUS–OOCYTE COMPLEXES DURING THE OVULATORY SEASON

2014 ◽  
Vol 26 (1) ◽  
pp. 199
Author(s):  
M. P. Cervantes ◽  
M. Anzar ◽  
R. J. Mapletoft ◽  
J. M. Palomino ◽  
G. P. Adams
Keyword(s):  
In Vitro Maturation ◽  
Calf Serum ◽  
Germinal Vesicle ◽  
Bison Bison ◽  
Germinal Vesicle Breakdown ◽  
Cumulus Expansion ◽  
Nuclear Maturation ◽  
Wood Bison

Technologies are being developed to conserve the genetic diversity of wood bison. Knowledge of the characteristics of in vivo and in vitro maturation of the cumulus–oocyte complex (COC) are needed in wood bison to design efficient in vitro embryo production protocols. The objectives were to (1) determine the optimal interval after hCG treatment for in vivo maturation of COC in superstimulated wood bison, and (2) compare the characteristics of COC after in vitro and in vivo maturation. Ovarian synchronization was induced in 25 bison during October and November by giving a luteolytic dose of prostaglandin followed 8 days later by follicular ablation (Day –1). Ovarian superstimulation was induced with FSH (Folltropin-V) given i.m. on Day 0 (300 mg) and Day 2 (100 mg). A second luteolytic dose of prostaglandin was given on Day 3. Bison were assigned randomly to 5 groups (n = 5/group). The COC were collected by transvaginal follicle aspiration on Day 4 and were either assessed immediately (0 h, control), or matured in vitro for 24 or 30 h (in vitro maturation), or collected on Day 5 (in vivo maturation), 24 or 30 h after bison were given 2000 IU of hCG i.m. on Day 4. In vitro maturation was done in TCM-199 with 5% calf serum, 5 μg mL–1 LH, 0.5 μg mL–1 FSH, and 0.05 μg mL–1 gentamicin, at 38.5°C and in a 5% CO2 humidified atmosphere. Nuclear maturation was classified as germinal vesicle (GV), germinal vesicle breakdown (GVBD), metaphase I (MI), or metaphase II (MII) with anti-lamin AC/DAPI staining. Groups were compared by analysis of variance and Fisher's exact test (Table 1). A mean (±s.e.m.) of 7.3 ± 1.7 COC were collected per bison, with no difference among groups. The COC in the control (0 h) group were at the nonexpanded GV stage. Cumulus cells were more expanded after in vivo than in vitro maturation, and the percentage of fully expanded COC was the highest in the 30-h in vivo maturation group (87%; P < 0.05). The greatest number of oocytes reached MII stage after 24 h of in vitro maturation, and 30 h of in vivo maturation. In conclusion, nuclear maturation occurred more quickly in vitro compared with in vivo, but the degree and incidence of cumulus expansion was greater after in vivo maturation. The competence of oocytes to undergo fertilization and develop into embryos remains to be investigated. Table 1.Cumulus expansion and nuclear maturation of wood bison oocytes

Optimization of Novel Follicle Culture System to Generate Developmentally Competent Oocytes

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jongwon Kim ◽  
Jung Kyu Choi
Keyword(s):  
Culture System ◽  
Ovarian Follicle ◽  
Formation Rate ◽  
Germinal Vesicle ◽  
Ovarian Follicles ◽  
Germinal Vesicle Breakdown ◽  
Follicle Culture ◽  
Nuclear Maturation ◽  
Follicle Diameter

This study aimed to develop a novel culture system for porcine ovarian follicles that yields developmentally competent oocytes. We mechanically isolated ovarian follicles of various sizes 325–500 mm and treated them with ovine follicle stimulating hormone OFSH at different concentrations 0–400 mIU. Follicle diameter, antrum formation and cumulus oocyte complex COC recovery rate were significantly higher p andlt; 0.05 under the 0 and 50 mIU OFSH treatments compared with the remaining concentrations 100, 200 and 400 mIU. Additionally, follicles cultured for 3 and 4 d differed significantly p andlt; 0.05 in follicle diameter, antrum formation rate and COC recovery from those cultured for 5 and 6 d. Follicle characteristics did not differ across diameter: those at 250–300, 301–400 and 401–500 mm in vitro had antrum formation rates of 90%, 92% and 90%, along with COC recovery of 78%, 82% and 85%, respectively. Furthermore, nuclear maturation percentages for oocytes that experienced germinal vesicle breakdown (GVBD) were 10%, 13% and 14%, depending on the size of the originating follicle (250–300, 301–400 and 401–500 mm). Nuclear maturation for metaphase II (MII) oocytes derived from follicles of those three sizes were 1%, 2% and 1%, respectively. After 3 d of culture, the 250–300 mm group differed significantly from other size groups in follicle diameter and COC recovery. This study provides insight into establishing effective protocols of ovarian follicle culture, thus improving efforts to preserve large-mammal fertility.

Early germinal vesicle breakdown is a predictor of high preimplantation developmental competent oocytes in mice

Zygote ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 25 (1) ◽  
pp. 41-48 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shogo Higaki ◽  
Masao Kishi ◽  
Keisuke Koyama ◽  
Masashi Nagano ◽  
Seiji Katagiri ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Time Course ◽  
Evaluation Method ◽  
Germinal Vesicle ◽  
Oocyte Quality ◽  
Developmental Competence ◽  
Germinal Vesicle Breakdown ◽  
Nuclear Maturation ◽  
Non Invasive ◽  
Germinal Vesicle Break Down

SummaryThe preselection of highly developmentally competent oocytes for in vitro maturation (IVM) is crucial for improving assisted reproductive technology. Although several intrinsic markers of oocyte quality are known to be closely related to the onset of nuclear maturation (germinal vesicle break down, GVBD), a direct comparison between GVBD timing and oocyte quality has never been reported. In this study, we established a non-invasive oocyte evaluation method based on GVBD timing for preselecting more developmental competent oocytes in mice. Because the O2 concentration during IVM may affect the nuclear kinetics, all experiments were performed under two distinct O2 concentrations: 20% and 5% O2. First, we determined the time course of changes in nuclear maturation and preimplantation developmental competence of in vitro-matured oocytes to estimate GVBD timing in high developmental competent oocytes. Two-thirds of oocytes that underwent GVBD in early IVM seemed to mainly contribute to the blastocyst yield. To confirm this result, we compared the preimplantation developmental competence of the early and late GVBD oocytes. Cleavage and blastocyst formation rates of early GVBD oocytes (80.2% and 52.7% under 20% O2, respectively, and 67.6% and 47.3% under 5% O2, respectively) were almost double those of late GVBD oocytes (44.8% and 26.0% under 20% O2, respectively, and 40.4% and 17.9% under 5% O2, respectively). With no observable alterations by checking the timing of GVBD in preimplantation developmental competence, oocyte evaluation based on GVBD timing can be used as an efficient and non-invasive preselection method for high developmental competent oocytes.

scholarly journals Effects of oxygen concentration on in vitro maturation of canine oocytes in a chemically defined serum-free medium

Reproduction ◽  
2012 ◽  
Vol 144 (5) ◽  
pp. 547-556 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mazdak Salavati ◽  
Fataneh Ghafari ◽  
Tiantian Zhang ◽  
Ali A Fouladi-Nashta
Keyword(s):  
Germinal Vesicle ◽  
Extended Period ◽  
Low Oxygen ◽  
Germinal Vesicle Breakdown ◽  
Serum Free ◽  
Nuclear Maturation ◽  
High Oxygen Level ◽  
First Time ◽  
Oviductal Fluid

Canine oocytes require an extended period of culture (72 h) in vitro for nuclear maturation to the metaphase II stage, which also results in high degeneration. Canine cumulus oocyte complexes were isolated by slicing from ovaries collected after ovariohysterectomy and cultured in serum-free synthetic oviductal fluid incubated at low (5%) or high (20%) oxygen levels. Changes in oocyte nuclear maturation rates, H2O2 levels within the oocytes and mRNAs of reactive oxygen species inhibitory genes superoxide dismutase 1 and 2 (SOD1 and 2), glutathione reductase (GSR), glutathione peroxidase (GPX1), and catalase (CAT) were quantified. Higher meiotic resumption from germinal vesicle breakdown up to MII was observed in low O2 (41.8±13.1%) compared to high O2 (15.8±8.2%) (P=0.014) after 52 h of culture (n=112). Extension of the culture period up to 84 h at low O2 (n=457 oocytes) produced the highest meiotic resumption at 72 h (64.1±6.0%; P=0.008), compared with 52 h. Oocytes (n=110) cultured in high O2 contained higher levels of peroxidase measured using the 2′,7′-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate fluorescence assay after 72 h of culture compared with low O2 (P=0.004). High O2-cultured oocytes also showed higher amounts of SOD1, SOD2, GSR, GPX1, and CAT mRNA. Vitamin E in high oxygen level was able to decrease degeneration (P=0.008) but had no improving effect on percentage of oocytes in MII. These results for the first time showed that low oxygen gas composition improves nuclear maturation rates and alleviates the oxidative stress for canine oocytes during in vitro maturation.

MAPK/ERK kinase (MEK) signalling is required for resumption of meiosis in cultured cumulus-enclosed pig oocytes

Zygote ◽  
2003 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 7-16 ◽  
Author(s):  
B. Meinecke ◽  
C. Krischek
Keyword(s):  
Germinal Vesicle ◽  
Cumulus Cells ◽  
Mek Inhibitor ◽  
Free Medium ◽  
Germinal Vesicle Breakdown ◽  
Nuclear Maturation ◽  
Mitogen Activated Protein ◽  
Drug Free ◽  
Medium Culture

Resumption of meiosis of mammalian oocytes is facilitated by the maturation promoting factor (MPF) and accompanied by activation of mitogen activated protein kinases (MAPK) which are phosphorylated by the MAPK kinase (MEK). In this study we examined the effects of PD 98059, which inhibits the activity of MEK, on in vitro maturation of pig oocytes. Cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) were cultured in the presence or absence of the drug (50 μM) for various time periods. To elucidate the influence of cumulus cells, COCs were first cultured in inhibitor-free medium, subsequently denuded, and incubated further in PD 98059 supplemented medium. Reversibility of drug action as tested following PD 98059 treatment of COCs by transferring them to drug-free medium. Culture of COCs in medium supplemented with PD 98059 prevents resumption of nuclear maturation in the majority of COCs. This inhibition was reversible and accompanied by a non-activation of both MAP and MPF. Addition of the MEK inhibitor to extracts of in vitro matured oocytes revealed that the kinase activities were not directly influenced by the inhibitor, suggesting a link between MAP and MPF kinases. Preincubation of COCs in inhibitor-free medium for 6 h followed by further culture of COCs or denuded oocytes in the presence of PD 98059 for various periods resulted in elevated MAP and MPF kinase activities, indicating an early and transient MEK signalling in the oocyte itself. These results support the idea that MAP and MPF are involved in the induction of germinal vesicle breakdown in porcine oocytes.

Nuclear maturation inducers in Bufo arenarum oocytes

Zygote ◽  
2001 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. 353-359 ◽  
Author(s):  
Inés Ramos ◽  
Susana Cisint ◽  
Claudia Crespo ◽  
Marcela F. Medina ◽  
Silvia Fernández
Keyword(s):  
Germinal Vesicle ◽  
Sexual Cycle ◽  
Breeding Period ◽  
Cycle Period ◽  
Germinal Vesicle Breakdown ◽  
Dose Time ◽  
Nuclear Maturation ◽  
Bufo Arenarum ◽  
High Concentrations

The present study analyses the effect of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and mammalian insulin on the nuclear maturation of Bufo arenarum oocytes under in vitro conditions. The response of fully grown follicle oocytes to DHT, shown by germinal vesicle breakdown (GVBD), occurred in a manner dependent on dose, time and sexual cycle period. The highest oocyte sensitivity to the hormone appeared during the breeding period, a fact evinced by high GVBD percentages after short incubation periods and at a low hormone concentrations. Insulin also proved effective in inducing nuclear maturation, although its action was only visible at high concentrations and after a long incubation period. The combination of insulin and steroid hormones (DHT or progesterone), both at subliminal doses, caused a noticeable potentiating synergism, resulting in a rapid and important increase in GVBD. Another effect of insulin was the acquisition by oocytes of steroid sensitivity during folliculogenesis.

scholarly journals The effect of interaction between macromolecule supplement and oxygen tension on bovine oocytes and embryos cultured in vitro

Zygote ◽  
2009 ◽  
Vol 17 (4) ◽  
pp. 321-328 ◽  
Author(s):  
G.Z. Mingoti ◽  
V.S.D. Caiado Castro ◽  
S.C. Méo ◽  
L.S.S. Barretto ◽  
J.M. Garcia
Keyword(s):  
Oxygen Tension ◽  
Embryo Development ◽  
Calf Serum ◽  
Atmospheric Condition ◽  
Germinal Vesicle ◽  
Bovine Embryos ◽  
Blastocyst Development ◽  
Germinal Vesicle Breakdown ◽  
Nuclear Maturation

SummaryAiming to improve in vitro production of bovine embryos and to obtain supplements to replace serum for in vitro maturation (IVM), this study evaluated the effects of macromolecular supplementation of IMV medium (bovine serum albumin – BSA, polyvinyl alcohol – PVA, polyvinyl pyrrolidone – PVP, Ficoll, KnockoutSR, or fetal calf serum – FCS) and oxygen tension [5% CO2 in air (20% O2) or 5% CO2, 5% O2 and 90% N2 (5% O2)] on oocyte maturation and embryo development. Nuclear progression to germinal vesicle breakdown, metaphase I and metaphase II stages were evaluated and overall results revealed that undefined (FCS) and semi-defined (BSA) media gave better results at 20% O2 and defined media (PVA, PVP and Ficoll) at 5% O2. Independent of macromolecule supplement, IVM at 20% O2 was considered optimal for nuclear maturation. To evaluate embryo development, oocytes matured in the previously described conditions were fertilized and cultured at the same oxygen tension used for IVM and assessed for cleavage (43.0 to 74.8%) and development to morulae (16.4 to 33.8%), blastocyst (7.7 to 52.9%) and hatched blastocyst (9.6 to 48.1%). Apart from oxygen tension, all treatments, except Knockout (22.7%), gave similar results for blastocyst development (26.5 to 38.7%). Independently of macromolecule supplement, higher development rates were obtained in an oxygen tension of 20% O2 (67.4% cleavage, 29.2% morulae, 40.8% blastocyst and 34.0% hatched blastocyst) when compared with 5% O2 (52.5, 21.8, 18.2 and 15.6%, respectively). This study indicates that BSA, PVA, PVP and Ficoll can replace serum during IVM and that the optimal atmospheric condition for in vitro production of bovine embryos is 5% CO2 and 20% O2.

Role of prolactin in nuclear maturation and ovulation in amphibian oocytes

Zygote ◽  
2005 ◽  
Vol 13 (3) ◽  
pp. 265-268
Author(s):  
Inés Ramos ◽  
Susana Cisint ◽  
Marcela F. Medina ◽  
Claudia A. Crespo ◽  
Silvia N. Fernández
Keyword(s):  
Oocyte Maturation ◽  
Incubation Medium ◽  
Germinal Vesicle ◽  
Sexual Cycle ◽  
Breeding Period ◽  
Germinal Vesicle Breakdown ◽  
Nuclear Maturation ◽  
Bufo Arenarum

The present study was undertaken to determine the effect of prolactin (Prl) on Bufo arenarum oocyte maturation and ovulation, two characteristic events of the breeding period, the stage of the sexual cycle in which gamete growth is complete. We observed that Prl, at the doses assayed, did not affect nuclear maturation per se. In addition, when follicles were pretreated with Prl and progesterone was later added to the medium as a physiological nuclear maturation inducer, the percentage of germinal vesicle breakdown obtained with the steroid was unaffected by Prl. The analysis of the in vitro ovulation process demonstrated that pituitary homologous homogenate (PHH) produced a dose- and month-dependent stimulating effect. The maximum percentage of ovulated oocytes was obtained from the end of July to October, the period in which oviposition naturally occurs. Prl by itself did not affect the ovulation process, but when both the hormone and PHH were present in the incubation medium, a significant increase in ovulated oocytes was observed. The results suggest that Prl does not participate in oocyte maturation; however, its presence in the incubation medium would increase oocyte sensitivity to the action of the physiological ovulation inducers.

Effect of GnRH treatment on the maturation and in vitro development of oocytes collected from 4- to 6-week-old Merino lambs

2007 ◽  
Vol 19 (8) ◽  
pp. 947 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jennifer M. Kelly ◽  
David O. Kleemann ◽  
W. M. Chis Maxwell ◽  
Simon K. Walker
Keyword(s):  
In Vitro Maturation ◽  
Germinal Vesicle ◽  
Developmental Competence ◽  
Blastocyst Development ◽  
Cleavage Rate ◽  
Germinal Vesicle Breakdown ◽  
Nuclear Maturation ◽  
Oocyte Collection ◽  
Vitro Development

Two experiments were conducted in Merino lambs to examine the effects of gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) treatment on the developmental competence of oocytes collected after pretreatment with follicle stimulating hormone (FSH). The first experiment examined the effects of six GnRH treatment times (control and GnRH administered 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 h before oocyte collection) and four in vitro maturation (IVM) periods (18, 20, 22, 24 h) on the rate of oocyte nuclear maturation. The second experiment examined the effect of five GnRH treatment times (control and GnRH administered 2, 4, 6 and 8 h before oocyte collection) and three IVM periods (20, 22, 24 h) on the development of oocytes and embryos after in vitro maturation, fertilisation and culture. In Experiment 1, GnRH treatment did not influence the mean number of cumulus-oocyte-complexes (COCs) collected or COC morphology at the time of collection. However, treatment changed (P < 0.01) the distribution of follicle size and this was primarily due to a marked reduction in the number of follicles with diameters <2 mm. In addition, GnRH treatment at 6 and 8 h increased (P < 0.01) the proportion of oocytes that developed to Metaphase II (MII) (63.2 and 72.6%, respectively) compared with other treatment times (range 52.9–59.9%). Nuclear maturation was influenced by a significant (P < 0.05) interaction between GnRH treatment and IVM period due to a disproportionately greater number of oocytes at the germinal vesicle breakdown (GVBD) stage for the 2 and 4 h GnRH treatments compared with other treatments. In Experiment 2, cleavage rate (range 63.5–85.9%) was highest when GnRH was administered 8 h before collection but the percentage of cleaved oocytes that developed into blastocysts (range 10.0–35.0%) was significantly (P < 0.05) lower for the 6 and 8 h GnRH treatments compared with the control and the 2 h GnRH treatment. These results demonstrate that GnRH treatment before oocyte collection can improve nuclear maturation and cleavage rates in lamb oocytes but that these improvements are not reflected in improved rates of blastocyst development. It is speculated that this discrepancy may result from GnRH treatment either adversely affecting cytoplasmic maturation or inducing asynchrony between the maturation of the nuclear and cytoplasmic components of the oocyte.

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