Equine maternal aging affects oocyte lipid content, metabolic function and developmental potential

Advanced maternal age is associated with a decline in fertility and oocyte quality. We used novel metabolic microsensors to assess effects of mare age on single oocyte and embryo metabolic function, which has not yet been similarly investigated in mammalian species. We hypothesized that equine maternal aging affects the metabolic function of oocytes and in vitro-produced early embryos, oocyte mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) copy number, and relative abundance of metabolites involved in energy metabolism in oocytes and cumulus cells. Samples were collected from preovulatory follicles from young (≤14 years) and old (≥20 years) mares. Relative abundance of metabolites in metaphase II oocytes (MII) and their respective cumulus cells, detected by liquid and gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry, revealed that free fatty acids were less abundant in oocytes and more abundant in cumulus cells from old vs young mares. Quantification of aerobic and anaerobic metabolism, respectively measured as oxygen consumption rate (OCR) and extracellular acidification rate (ECAR) in a microchamber containing oxygen and pH microsensors, demonstrated reduced metabolic function and capacity in oocytes and day-2 embryos originating from oocytes of old when compared to young mares. In mature oocytes, mtDNA was quantified by real-time PCR and was not different between the age groups and not indicative of mitochondrial function. Significantly more sperm-injected oocytes from young than old mares resulted in blastocysts. Our results demonstrate a decline in oocyte and embryo metabolic activity that potentially contributes to the impaired developmental competence and fertility in aged females.

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P–219 mtDNA content in bovine cumulus cells does not predict oocytés developmental competence

Human Reproduction ◽

10.1093/humrep/deab130.218 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 36 (Supplement_1) ◽

Author(s):

Á Martíne. Moro ◽

I Lamas-Toranzo ◽

L González-Brusi ◽

A Pérez-Gómez ◽

P Bermejo-Álvarez

Keyword(s):

Cumulus Cell ◽

Cumulus Cells ◽

Oocyte Quality ◽

Blastocyst Stage ◽

Early Embryo ◽

Developmental Competence ◽

Success Rates ◽

Developmental Potential ◽

Mtdna Sequence

Abstract Study question Does cumulus cell mtDNA content correlate with oocyte developmental potential in the bovine model? Summary answer The relative amount of mtDNA content did not vary significantly in oocytes showing different developmental outcomes following IVF What is known already Cumulus cells are closely connected to the oocyte through transzonal projections, serving essential metabolic functions during folliculogenesis. These oocyte-supporting cells are removed and discarded prior to ICSI, thereby constituting an interesting biological material on which to perform molecular analysis aimed to predict oocyte developmental competence. Previous studies have positively associated oocytés mtDNA content with developmental potential in both animal models and women. However, it remains debatable whether mtDNA content in cumulus cells could be used as a proxy to infer oocyte developmental potential. Study design, size, duration Bovine cumulus cells were allocated into three groups according to the developmental potential of the oocyte: 1) oocytes developing to blastocysts following IVF (Bl+Cl+), 2) oocytes cleaving following IVF but arresting their development prior to the blastocyst stage (Bl-Cl+), and 3) oocytes not cleaving following IVF (Bl-Cl-). Relative mtDNA content was analysed in 40 samples/group, each composed by the cumulus cells from one cumulus-oocyte complex (COC). Participants/materials, setting, methods Bovine cumulus-oocyte complexes were obtained from slaughtered cattle and individually matured in vitro (IVM). Following IVM, cumulus cells were removed by hyaluronidase treatment, pelleted, snap frozen in liquid nitrogen and stored at –80 ºC until analysis. Cumulus-free oocytes were fertilized and cultured in vitro individually and development was recorded for each oocyte. Relative mtDNA abundance was determined by qPCR, amplifying a mtDNA sequence (COX1) and a chromosomal sequence (PPIA). Statistical differences were tested by ANOVA. Main results and the role of chance Relative mtDNA abundance did not differ significantly (ANOVA p > 0.05) between the three groups exhibiting different developmental potential (1±0.06 vs. 1.19±0.05 vs. 1.11±0.05, for Bl+Cl+ vs. Bl-Cl+ vs. Bl-Cl-, mean±s.e.m.). Limitations, reasons for caution Experiments were conducted in the bovine model. Although bovine folliculogenesis, monoovulatory ovulation and early embryo development exhibit considerable similarities with that of humans, caution should be taken when extrapolating these data to humans. Wider implications of the findings: The use of molecular markers for oocyte developmental potential in cumulus cells could be used to enhance success rates following single-embryo transfer. Unfortunately, mtDNA in cumulus cells was not found to be a good proxy for oocyte quality. Trial registration number Not applicable

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65 CLONED EMBRYOS FROM HORSE SOMATIC CELLS AND ENUCLEATED BOVINE AND OVINE OOCYTES AND THEIR DEVELOPMENTAL COMPETENCE

Reproduction Fertility and Development ◽

10.1071/rdv20n1ab65 ◽

2008 ◽

Vol 20 (1) ◽

pp. 113

Author(s):

H. M. Zhou ◽

B. S. Li ◽

L. J. Zhang

Keyword(s):

Somatic Cell ◽

Somatic Cells ◽

Calf Serum ◽

Cumulus Cells ◽

Developmental Competence ◽

Developmental Potential ◽

Reconstructed Embryos ◽

Electrical Pulses ◽

Mongolian Horse

The objective of this study was to investigate the reprogramming potential of equine somatic cell donor nuclei in either bovine or ovine recipient oocyte cytoplasmic environments. Heterogeneous embryos were reconstructed by somatic cell nuclear transfer (NT). The percentage of fusion and developmental competence, assessed by rates of cleavage and morula and blastocyst formation, were determined. Skin fibroblast cells, obtained from the ear of an adult female Mongolian horse, were dissociated using 0.25% trypsin and cultured in vitro in a humidified atmosphere of 5% CO2 in air at 37°C. Donor somatic cells were serum-starved before NT and used between passages 4 and 6. Bovine and ovine oocytes derived from slaughterhouse ovaries were matured in vitro for 17–19 and 22–24 h, respectively, in a humidified atmosphere of 5% CO2 in air at 38.5°C, before they were enucleated and used as recipient cytoplasts. The fibroblasts were injected under the zona pellucida of the cytoplasts and electrically fused by 2 DC electrical pulses of 1.58 kV cm–1 for 10 μs, with an interval of 0.13 s. The reconstructed embryos were then activated with 5 μm ionomycin in H-M199 for 5 min and then in 2 mm 6-DMAP for 4 h. The equine-bovine and equine-ovine reconstructed embryos were co-cultured, respectively, with bovine and ovine cumulus cells in synthetic oviduct fluid supplemented with amino acids (SOFaa) and 10% fetal calf serum (FCS) for 168 h. The data were analyzed with ANOVA and differences among the groups were evaluated with t-test. The results of the percentages of fusion, cleavage, and development to morula (8 to 64 cells) and blastocyst stages of equine-bovine and equine-ovine heterogeneous embryos are shown in Table 1. This study demonstrates that heterogeneous embryos can undergo early embryonic divisions and that reprogramming of equine fibroblast nuclei can be initiated in foreign cytoplasts. It appears that embryos reconstructed with equine somatic nuclei and ovine cytoplasts have a higher developmental potential than those using bovine cytoplasts. Table 1. Developmental competence of equine-bovine and equine-ovine reconstructed embryos

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cAMP Modulators before In Vitro Maturation Decrease DNA Damage and Boost Developmental Potential of Sheep Oocytes

Animals ◽

10.3390/ani11092512 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (9) ◽

pp. 2512

Author(s):

Daniela-Alejandra Medina-Chávez ◽

Irene Sánchez-Ajofrín ◽

Patricia Peris-Frau ◽

Carolina Maside ◽

Vidal Montoro ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Dna Damage ◽

In Vitro Maturation ◽

Phosphodiesterase Inhibitor ◽

Cumulus Cells ◽

Culture Conditions ◽

Developmental Competence ◽

Developmental Potential ◽

Assisted Reproduction Technologies ◽

Underlying Mechanisms

To date, the underlying mechanisms by which cAMP modulators act during in vitro maturation to improve oocyte developmental competence are poorly understood. Here, we sought to fill this knowledge gap by evaluating the use of phosphodiesterase inhibitor 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine (IBMX) and adenylyl cyclase activator forskolin during a culture period of 2 h before in vitro maturation (pre-IVM) on the nuclear and cytoplasmic maturation features in essential organelles, cumulus cells activity, and in vitro developmental potential of sheep oocytes. Results showed that pre-IVM treatment significantly decreased (p < 0.05) the DNA damage of mature oocytes (pre-IVM = 2.08% ± 3.51% vs. control = 20.58% ± 3.51%) and increased (p ≤ 0.05) expanded blastocyst rates compared to the control (from the total of oocytes: pre-IVM = 23.89% ± 1.47% vs. control = 18.22% ± 1.47%, and from the cleaved embryos: pre-IVM = 45.16% ± 1.73% vs. control = 32.88% ± 1.73%). Considering that oocytes are highly vulnerable to the accumulation of DNA damage because of exposure to in vitro culture conditions, our results suggest that the modulation of intra-oocyte cAMP levels with forskolin and IBMX before IVM might afford oocytes a more effective DNA repair mechanism to overcome damage obstacles and ultimately improve developmental competence. This previously unappreciated action of cAMP modulators could help to develop improved methods for assisted reproduction technologies in animal and clinical research.

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230 ROLE OF PITUITARY HORMONES AND CUMULUS CELLS IN MODULATING THE DEVELOPMENTAL CAPACITY OF AGING BOVINE OOCYTES

Reproduction Fertility and Development ◽

10.1071/rdv27n1ab230 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 27 (1) ◽

pp. 204

Author(s):

G. Singina ◽

I. Lebedeva ◽

T. Taradajnic ◽

N. Zinovieva

Keyword(s):

Embryonic Development ◽

Tyrosine Kinases ◽

Cumulus Cells ◽

Pituitary Hormones ◽

Developmental Competence ◽

Developmental Potential ◽

Prolonged Culture ◽

Bovine Oocytes

The competence for embryonic development acquired during the oocyte maturation attenuates during the subsequent oocyte aging both in vivo and in vitro. Thus, the successful control of the female fertility requires information regarding factors responsible for the oocyte protection from early aging. The aim of the present research was to study the pattern and pathways of actions of two closely related pituitary hormones, prolactin (PRL), and growth hormone (GH), on the developmental potential of bovine oocytes during their aging in vitro. Therefore, we analysed (1) effects of PRL and GH during the prolonged culture of bovine oocytes on their subsequent development up to the blastocyst stage and (2) the role of cumulus cells (CC) and tyrosine kinases, the well-known mediators of PRL and GH signalling, in these effects. Bovine cumulus-enclosed oocytes (CEO) were cultured for 22 h in the following maturation medium: TCM 199 containing 10% fetal calf serum (FCS), 10 μg mL–1 of porcine FSH, and 10 μg mL–1 of ovine LH. After IVM, CEO or denuded oocytes (DO) were transferred to the aging medium consisting of TCM 199 supplemented with 10% FCS and cultured for 10 h in the absence (Control) or presence of 50 ng mL–1 bovine PRL or 10 ng mL–1 recombinant bovine GH and/or 10 μg mL–1 genistein (a non-selective inhibitor of tyrosine kinases). Genistein was not applied in the case of aging DO, since their developmental potential was not affected by both hormones. Following the prolonged culture, oocytes underwent IVF and IVC. Embryos were cultured in CR1aa medium until Day 5 post-insemination and then transferred to the same medium supplemented with 5% FCS and cultured up to Day 8. The embryo development was evaluated at Days 2 and 8 for cleavage and blastocyst formation. The data from 5 to 6 replicates using 135–184 oocytes per treatment were analysed by ANOVA. Aging of oocytes in the control medium had no effect on the cleavage rate, but caused the blastocyst yield to decline (P < 0.001) from 31.1 ± 2.3% (CEO fertilized immediately after maturation) to 10.5 ± 2.4% (aged CEO) and 7.9 ± 1.9% (aged DO). Cleavage rates of aging CEO and DO were unaffected by both PRL and GH. In the case of CEO, the addition of PRL (but not GH) to the aging medium raised the blastocyst yield from 8.2 ± 0.9% to 15.2 ± 2.1% (P < 0.05), whereas the removal of CC abolished this effect, reducing the yield up to 9.1 ± 2.7% (P < 0.05). At the same time, genistein did not influence the blastocyst yield in the PRL-treated group. The findings demonstrate that PRL can inhibit the attenuation of the developmental competence of bovine oocytes aging in vitro, with this effect being achieved via cumulus cells. Tyrosine kinases are unlikely to mediate the beneficial action of PRL on the CEO capacity for embryonic development. Meanwhile, closely related GH does not affect the developmental competence of aging bovine oocytes.This research was supported by RFBR (project No. 13-04-01888).

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210 CLEAVAGE ASSESSMENT AT DAY 2 TO PREDICT BLASTOCYST DEVELOPMENTAL POTENTIAL IN PORCINE IN VITRO-FERTILIZED EMBRYOS

Reproduction Fertility and Development ◽

10.1071/rdv21n1ab210 ◽

2009 ◽

Vol 21 (1) ◽

pp. 203

Author(s):

Y. J. Kim ◽

Y. P. Jeon ◽

S. H. Hyun

Keyword(s):

Cumulus Cells ◽

Preimplantation Development ◽

Developmental Competence ◽

Preimplantation Embryos ◽

Embryo Morphology ◽

Blastocyst Formation ◽

Developmental Potential ◽

Vitro Fertilization ◽

The Relationship

Porcine embryos could be a valuable tool to study preimplantation development, implantation, and pregnancy, but to do this it is necessary to establish an efficient in vitro embryo production system. Because the cause of high mortality in embryos during preimplantation development is not clear, a noninvasive method of determining the developmental potential of cleavage-stage embryos is needed. The objective was to evaluate the developmental potential of Day 2 embryos in a porcine in vitro fertilization (IVF) system. Specifically, this study was conducted to examine the relationship between embryo morphology 48 h after IVF on rates of blastocyst formation 5 days later. To prepare in vitro maturation (IVM) of porcine oocytes, cumulus–oocyte complexes were obtained from slaughterhouse-derived ovaries and matured in M-199 medium supplemented with 10% pig follicular fluid and 0.57 mm cysteine for 44 h and then freed from cumulus cells. After IVM, cumulus-free oocytes were coincubated with frozen–thawed sperm (2 × 106 cells mL–1) and 2 mm caffeine for 6 h. Inseminated embryos were cultured in NCSU-23 medium that was supplemented with 0.5 mm pyruvate and 0.5 mm lactate. Data were analyzed by ANOVA and Duncan’s test (P < 0.05). Morphology data on a total of 919 embryos were analyzed retrospectively. Forty-eight hours after insemination, embryos were classified into the following 5 groups based on the cleavage state: 1 cell, 2 cells, 4 cells, 5 to 8 cells, and fragmentation. These groups were cultured another 120 h and then evaluated for blastocyst formation. Blastocyst formation rates were significantly higher in the 4-cell (38.07%) and 5- to 8-cell (40.65%) cleaving groups than in the other groups (P < 0.05). In contrast, the 2-cell and fragmentation groups produced 7.5 and 2.9% blastocysts, respectively. Data suggest that embryos reaching 4 cells and 5 to 8 cells by 48 h after insemination have high developmental competence, and this parameter may be useful to predict the development of preimplantation embryos and their ability to establish pregnancy. This work was supported by a grant (No. 20070301034040) from the BioGreen 21 program, Rural Development Administration, Republic of Korea.

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P–204 Dynamics of cavitation as a potential non-invasive predictor of mammalian blastocyst quality

Human Reproduction ◽

10.1093/humrep/deab130.203 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 36 (Supplement_1) ◽

Author(s):

E Kosyl ◽

A Ajduk

Keyword(s):

Mouse Model ◽

Mouse Embryo ◽

Embryo Quality ◽

Mammalian Species ◽

Cavity Formation ◽

Developmental Potential ◽

Mouse Oocytes ◽

Maternal Aging

Abstract Study question We wished to investigate whether dynamics of cavity formation can be used in embryo quality assessment. Summary answer Dynamics of mouse embryo cavitation reflects to certain extent blastocysts’ developmental capabilities. It can be potentially used as a biomarker of mammalian embryo quality. What is known already During cavity expansion blastocyst pulsates, i.e. changes its volume in an oscillatory way. Recent studies performed on a mouse model have shown, that dynamics of cavitation, biomechanical properties of the trophectoderm (TE) and embryo size are intertwined. Presence or absence of blastocyst contractions has been linked to particular parameters related to positive outcome of the in vitro fertilization procedures, but the data on influence of contractions on human embryos’ developmental capabilities is often contradictory. Moreover, mostly in those studies only strong contractions (leading to a high volume loss) have been taken into consideration. Study design, size, duration We tested how postovulatory (in vitro or in vivo) or maternal aging of mouse oocytes affects dynamics of cavity formation and expansion in the resulting embryos (n = 27, n = 26 and n = 30, respectively). Furthermore, we also analyzed almost 100 mouse blastocysts in order to correlate dynamics of their cavitation with their ability to form correct outgrowths (in vitro model of implantation). Participants/materials, setting, methods Mouse oocytes subjected to postovulatory (either in vivo or in vitro) or maternal aging were fertilized in vitro. Dynamics of cavity formation and expansion was assessed by time-lapse imaging; equatorial images were taken every 10 minutes. Blastocyst area was measured over time and compared to the outcome from control embryos. In another set of experiments, after the filming mouse blastocysts were cultured for additional 4 days to test their ability to form outgrowths. Main results and the role of chance We noticed, that mouse embryos which represent limited developmental potential (obtained from either postovulatory or maternally aged oocytes) and blastocysts developed from freshly fertilized young females’ oocytes differ in terms of some parameters related to dynamics of cavitation, e.g. time of the initiation of cavity formation, frequency of contractions or mean loss of blastocyst’s area during contraction. We observed that embryos obtained from oocytes subjected to maternal or postovulatory aging have distinct dynamics of cavitation. Moreover, we noticed slightly different effect on particular parameters related to cavitation between in vivo and in vitro version of postovulatory ageing. We also showed that blastocysts, which are unable to create proper outgrowths (i.e. too small or without epiblast cells), differ from embryos that differentiate into correct outgrowths in terms of certain parameters of cavitation dynamics. Our data indicates, that dynamics of cavity formation and expansion might be related to developmental potential of mouse embryo. Limitations, reasons for caution Further studies with extended group size and testing embryos’ ability to implant in vivo are required to confirm our results. Moreover, we examined dynamics of cavitation only in a mouse model, so additional studies performed on other mammalian species are needed. Wider implications of the findings: Our data proves, that dynamics of embryo cavitation reflects, to certain extent, developmental capabilities of mouse blastocysts. Therefore, it is possible that it can be a biomarker of embryo quality (in combination with parameters provided by other methods or solely) of other mammalian species, including humans. Trial registration number Not applicable

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DNA damage in cumulus cells generated after the vitrification of in vitro matured porcine oocytes and its impact on fertilization and embryo development

10.21203/rs.3.rs-441164/v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Alma López ◽

Miguel Betancourt ◽

Yvonne Ducolomb ◽

Juan José Rodríguez ◽

Eduardo Casas ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Dna Damage ◽

Embryo Development ◽

Mammalian Species ◽

Tail Length ◽

Cumulus Cells ◽

Developmental Competence ◽

Limiting Factor ◽

Oocyte Vitrification ◽

Development Rates

Abstract Oocyte vitrification has become an important tool for the improvement of assisted reproduction in humans and other mammalian species. The toxicity and use of high cryoprotectants concentrations have been a limiting factor for cryopreservation success. The evaluation of the DNA damage generated in cumulus cells after mature cumulus-oocyte complexes vitrification can be considered as an indicator of oocyte quality since these cells play important roles in oocyte developmental competence. Alterations produced in these cells could compromise oocyte maturation, fertilization, and embryo development. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine if matured cumulus-oocyte complexes exposure to cryoprotectants or vitrification affects both oocytes and cumulus cells viability, but also if DNA damage is generated in cumulus cells, affecting fertilization and embryo development. The DNA damage in cumulus cells was measured using the alkaline comet assay and expressed as Comet Tail Length and Olive Tail Moment. Results demonstrate that oocyte exposure to cryoprotectants or vitrification reduced oocyte and cumulus cells viability compared to control. Also, significantly higher DNA damage was generated in the cumulus cells after exposure to cryoprotectants and vitrification compared to control. In addition, fertilization and embryo development rates also decreased after exposure to cryoprotectants and vitrification. It was also found that fertilization and embryo development rates in granulose-intact oocytes were significantly higher compared to denuded oocytes in the control groups. However, a decline in oocyte fertilization and embryo development to the blastocyst stage was observed after cryoprotectants exposure or vitrification. This could be attributed to the reduction in both cell types viability, and the generation of DNA damage in the cumulus cells. These findings will allow to understand some of the mechanisms of oocyte damage after vitrification, and the search for new vitrification strategies to increase fertilization and embryo development rates.

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Maternal age affects oocyte developmental potential at both ends of the age spectrum

Reproduction Fertility and Development ◽

10.1071/rd18340 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 31 (1) ◽

pp. 1 ◽

Cited By ~ 6

Author(s):

Rebecca L. Krisher

Keyword(s):

Metabolic Pathways ◽

Maternal Age ◽

Age Groups ◽

Cumulus Cells ◽

Oocyte Quality ◽

Developmental Competence ◽

Cellular Mechanisms ◽

Developmental Potential ◽

Oocyte Developmental Competence ◽

Maternal Mrnas

Maternal age has a significant effect on oocyte developmental competence. Overall, evidence suggests that oocytes from both prepubertal females and reproductively aged females are inherently less competent. Reduced oocyte quality in both age groups is problematic for human medicine and agriculture. Some of the cellular mechanisms implicated in poor oocyte quality associated with maternal age are mitochondrial function and location, reduction of oxygen radicals, balance of metabolic pathways, regulation of maternal mRNAs and appropriate communication between the oocyte and cumulus cells. However, additional knowledge must be gained about the deficiencies present in prepubertal and reproductively aged oocytes that result in poor developmental potential before significant improvement can be achieved. This review discusses the evidence currently available regarding oocyte quality at both ends of the maternal age spectrum, what we know, or hypothesise, about the mechanisms involved and current thoughts regarding potential treatment for improvement.

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Heat Shock Protein 70 Improves In Vitro Embryo Yield and Quality from Heat Stressed Bovine Oocytes

Animals ◽

10.3390/ani11061794 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (6) ◽

pp. 1794

Author(s):

Konstantina Stamperna ◽

Themistoklis Giannoulis ◽

Eleni Dovolou ◽

Maria Kalemkeridou ◽

Ioannis Nanas ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Gene Expression ◽

Heat Shock ◽

Heat Shock Protein ◽

Heat Shock Protein 70 ◽

Cumulus Cells ◽

Intramolecular Interactions ◽

Developmental Competence ◽

Embryo Yield ◽

Bovine Oocytes

Heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) is a chaperon that stabilizes unfolded or partially folded proteins, preventing inappropriate inter- and intramolecular interactions. Here, we examined the developmental competence of in vitro matured oocytes exposed to heat stress with or without HSP70. Bovine oocytes were matured for 24 h at 39 °C without (group C39) or with HSP70 (group H39) and at 41 °C for the first 6 h, followed by 16 h at 39 °C with (group H41) or without HSP70 (group C41). After insemination, zygotes were cultured for 9 days at 39 °C. Cleavage and embryo yield were assessed 48 h post insemination and on days 7, 8, 9, respectively. Gene expression was assessed by RT-PCR in oocytes, cumulus cells and blastocysts. In C41, blastocysts formation rate was lower than in C39 and on day 9 it was lower than in H41. In oocytes, HSP70 enhanced the expression of three HSP genes regardless of incubation temperature. HSP70 at 39 °C led to tight coordination of gene expression in oocytes and blastocysts, but not in cumulus cells. Our results imply that HSP70, by preventing apoptosis, supporting signal transduction, and increasing antioxidant protection of the embryo, protects heat stressed maturing bovine oocyte and restores its developmental competence.

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A Brief Incubation of Cumulus-Enclosed Mouse Eggs in a Calcium-Free Medium Containing a High Concentration of Calcium-Chelator Markedly Improves Preimplantation Development

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph17103505 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 17 (10) ◽

pp. 3505

Author(s):

Valeria Merico ◽

Silvia Garagna ◽

Maurizio Zuccotti

Keyword(s):

In Vitro Fertilization ◽

Mammalian Species ◽

Developmental Rate ◽

Cumulus Cells ◽

Fertilization Rate ◽

Preimplantation Development ◽

High Concentration ◽

Vitro Fertilization ◽

Positive Effects

The presence of cumulus cells (CCs) surrounding ovulated eggs is beneficial to in vitro fertilization and preimplantation development outcomes in several mammalian species. In the mouse, this contribution has a negligible effect on the fertilization rate; however, it is not yet clear whether it has positive effects on preimplantation development. Here, we compared the rates of in vitro fertilization and preimplantation development of ovulated B6C3F1 CC-enclosed vs. CC-free eggs, the latter obtained either after a 5 min treatment in M2 medium containing hyaluronidase or after 5–25 min in M2 medium supplemented with 34.2 mM EDTA (M2-EDTA). We found that, although the maintenance of CCs around ovulated eggs does not increment their developmental rate to blastocyst, the quality of the latter is significantly enhanced. Most importantly, for the first time, we describe a further quantitative and qualitative improvement, on preimplantation development, when CC-enclosed eggs are isolated from the oviducts in M2-EDTA and left in this medium for a total of 5 min prior to sperm insemination. Altogether, our results establish an important advancement in mouse IVF procedures that would be now interesting to test on other mammalian species.

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