Optimization of Novel Follicle Culture System to Generate Developmentally Competent Oocytes

Author(s):  
Jongwon Kim ◽  
Jung Kyu Choi

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.

2020 ◽  
Vol 103 (3) ◽  
pp. 455-470
Author(s):  
Leah E Simon ◽  
T Rajendra Kumar ◽  
Francesca E Duncan

Abstract Folliculogenesis is a complex process that requires integration of autocrine, paracrine, and endocrine factors together with tightly regulated interactions between granulosa cells and oocytes for the growth and survival of healthy follicles. Culture of ovarian follicles is a powerful approach for investigating folliculogenesis and oogenesis in a tightly controlled environment. This method has not only enabled unprecedented insight into the fundamental biology of follicle development but also has far-reaching translational applications, including in fertility preservation for women whose ovarian follicles may be damaged by disease or its treatment or in wildlife conservation. Two- and three-dimensional follicle culture systems have been developed and are rapidly evolving. It is clear from a review of the literature on isolated follicle culture methods published over the past two decades (1980–2018) that protocols vary with respect to species examined, follicle isolation methods, culture techniques, culture media and nutrient and hormone supplementation, and experimental endpoints. Here we review the heterogeneity among these major variables of follicle culture protocols.


2006 ◽  
Vol 18 (2) ◽  
pp. 279 ◽  
Author(s):  
L. Tubman ◽  
A. Peter ◽  
R. Krisher

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


2021 ◽  
Vol 36 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
B Dura. Lopez ◽  
I Moya ◽  
P Torres ◽  
M J Gomez-Torres ◽  
A Monzo ◽  
...  

Abstract Study question Can the Well-of-the-Well system (WOW), applied on denuded oocytes, improve germinal vesicle breakdown (GVBD) and maturation rate? Summary answer In vitro maturation (IVM) of denuded germinal vesicle (GV) oocyte using WOW culture system increases nuclear maturation competence when compared with droplet conventional culture What is known already Further research remains necessary to address the mechanism of oocyte maturation in order to refine culture conditions and improve the implantation rate of in vitro matured oocytes. Several studies on bovine oocytes have shown that oocyte-secreted factors (an uncharacterized mix of growth factors secreted by the oocyte) enhance oocyte developmental competence during in vitro maturation. These oocyte-secreted factors may accumulate at the bottom of the micro-well, as suggested for the WOW culture system. Previous reports suggested that diffusible factors secreted by individual oocytes probably accumulated in a micro-well WOW dish, may provide a suitable microenvironment for their in vitro maturation. Study design, size, duration A total of 879 GV collected between 2017 and 2019 were included in this study. They were randomly allocated into two experimental groups: (1) single-cultured oocytes (SC) that were cultured individually in micro-droplets, and (2) group-cultured oocytes (WOW) that were cultured in a microwell culture system using the WOW dish (culture dish for time lapse incubator). The nuclear maturation was assessed after 24 hours and 48 hours of IVM Participants/materials, setting, methods GV oocytes were obtained from 609 patients undergoing controlled ovarian stimulation cycles. Oocytes from the experimental group (1) were placed individually in conventional 25μl micro-droplets in a 35 mm dish. Oocytes from the experimental group (2) were placed in 80 μl droplet individually in each of 9 microwells of WOW dish. All GV oocytes were matured in a single step embryo culture medium, supplemented with human menopausal gonadotropin and synthetic serum substitute. Main results and the role of chance Mature oocyte (MII) was considered when we observed rupture of the GV and the presence of a first polar body in the perivitelline space during the first 24 or 48 hours of culture under inverted optical microscope. GVBD noted significant differences (p-valor = 0.000) between the study groups after culturing of 24 hours [GVBD: SC group; 70% (318/455) vs. WOW group; 83% (352/424)] and 48 hours [GVBD: SC group; 77% (319/416) vs. WOW group; 94% (398/424)]. The maturation rates (MR) showed significant differences (p-valor = 0.000) between the study groups after culturing of 24 hours [MR: SC group; 51% (233/455) vs. WOW group; 80% (338/424)] and 48 hours [MR: SC group; 71% (295/416) vs. WOW group; 91% (387/424)]. Limitations, reasons for caution There is no data on cleavage and blastocyst rates. There are no previous reports comparing the maturation rates in denuded human oocytes single-cultured in individually droplet or group-cultured in WOW dish. Wider implications of the findings: Our results must be taken into account in order to improve the culture conditions for the optimization of the in vitro maturation technique in human oocytes from stimulated cycles. We now provide evidence that group-cultured oocytes in WOW dish increase GVBD and maturation rates. Trial registration number Not applicable


2006 ◽  
Vol 18 (2) ◽  
pp. 276
Author(s):  
H. J. Oh ◽  
M. K. Kim ◽  
Y. H . Fibrianto ◽  
G. Jang ◽  
H. J. Kim ◽  
...  

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).


2014 ◽  
Vol 26 (1) ◽  
pp. 199
Author(s):  
M. P. Cervantes ◽  
M. Anzar ◽  
R. J. Mapletoft ◽  
J. M. Palomino ◽  
G. P. Adams

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


2019 ◽  
Vol 20 (19) ◽  
pp. 4766 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexander A. Tokmakov ◽  
Yuta Matsumoto ◽  
Takumi Isobe ◽  
Ken-Ichi Sato

Progesterone is widely used to induce maturation of isolated fully grown oocytes of the African clawed frog, Xenopus laevis. However, the hormone fails to release oocytes from the layer of surrounding follicle cells. Here, we report that maturation and follicle rupture can be recapitulated in vitro by treating isolated follicular oocytes with progesterone and low doses of the matrix metalloproteinase (MMP), collagenase, which are ineffective in the absence of the steroid. Using this in vitro ovulation model, we demonstrate that germinal vesicle breakdown (GVBD) and oocyte liberation from ovarian follicles occur synchronously during ovulation. Inhibition of the MAPK pathway in these experimental settings suppresses both GVBD and follicular rupture, whereas inhibition of MMP activity delays follicular rupture without affecting GVBD. These results highlight importance of MAPK and MMP activities in the ovulation process and provide the first evidence for their involvement in the release of oocytes from ovarian follicles in frogs. The in vitro ovulation model developed in our study can be employed for further dissection of ovulation.


Zygote ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 25 (1) ◽  
pp. 41-48 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shogo Higaki ◽  
Masao Kishi ◽  
Keisuke Koyama ◽  
Masashi Nagano ◽  
Seiji Katagiri ◽  
...  

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.


1981 ◽  
Vol 241 (1) ◽  
pp. E51-E56 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. A. Lessman ◽  
A. W. Schuetz

The involvement of the ovarian follicle wall in insulin induction of Rana pipiens oocyte maturation in vitro was examined. Complete removal of the follicle wall significantly decreased, but did not obliterate, oocyte maturation (i.e., germinal vesicle breakdown, GVBD) induced by insulin. Dose-response studies of GVBD induction revealed that oocytes within intact follicles were at least 100 times more sensitive to insulin than denuded oocytes. Addition of cyanoketone, a steroid biosynthesis inhibitor, to intact follicles also suppressed insulin-induced GVBD. Inhibitory effects of either follicle wall removal or cyanoketone were not observed when denuded oocytes were treated with progesterone. Addition of either progesterone or pregnenolone to insulin-treated denuded oocytes augmented the oocyte GVBD response compared to either steroid alone and essentially replaced the effect of the follicle wall. In summary, steroidogenesis in the follicle wall appears to be a major factor contributing to the ability of insulin to induce GVBD. However, whether insulin stimulates follicle wall steroidogenesis or simply augments the biological activity of endogenous basal steroid levels is unresolved. The in vitro results show that oocyte maturation can be modulated by the combined actions of several hormones. Such steroid-insulin interactions may also be relevant to understanding the control of oocyte maturation in amphibians and other vertebrates, including mammals, under physiological conditions in vivo.


Reproduction ◽  
2012 ◽  
Vol 144 (5) ◽  
pp. 547-556 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mazdak Salavati ◽  
Fataneh Ghafari ◽  
Tiantian Zhang ◽  
Ali A Fouladi-Nashta

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.


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