scholarly journals Effects of Pre-ovulatory Follicular Fluid of Repeat Breeder Dairy Cows on Bovine Fertility Transcriptomic Markers and Oocytes Maturation and Fertilization Capacity

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mojtaba Kafi ◽  
Mehran Ghaemi ◽  
Mehdi Azari ◽  
Abdolah Mirzaei ◽  
Samad Azarkaman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Oocyte Maturation ◽  
Follicular Fluid ◽  
Cumulus Cell ◽  
Nuclear Maturation ◽  
Maturation Rate ◽  
Lower Fertility ◽  
Steroidogenic Acute Regulatory ◽  
Ovulatory Follicles ◽  
Fertilization Capacity ◽  
Repeat Breeder

The current study aimed to determine the effects of the preovulatory follicular fluid (FF) of normal heifer (NH) and repeat breeder cows with subclinical endometritis (SCE) or without (nSCE) on oocyte maturation (Experiment 1) and fertilization rates (Experiment 2). Moreover, the pattern of gene expression of cumulus oocyte-complexes was evaluated in Experiment 1. In Experiment 1, nuclear maturation in the nSCE group was higher, compared to that in the SCE group (P = 0.05). In addition, the oocyte nuclear maturation in the normal heifer was significantly higher, in comparison to that of SCE groups (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the mean percentage of normal oocyte fertilization was higher in the nSCE group, compared to that in the SCE group (P < 0.05). The expressions of growth differentiation factor, GDF9; steroidogenic acute regulatory, StAR and follicle-stimulating hormone receptor, FSHr in the NH group were significantly higher, compared to those in SCE and nSCE groups (P < 0.05). Moreover, the expressions of all genes in the nSCE group were not significant, in comparison to those in the SCE group (P > 0.05). The supplementation of oocyte maturation medium with FF from pre-ovulatory follicles of repeat breeder cows resulted in less oocyte maturation and cumulus cell expansion. In conclusion, the lower fertility in RB cows could be ascribed to the lower oocyte maturation rate and less expression of GDF9, StAR, and FSHr in the cumulus-oocyte complexes.

scholarly journals Prediction of maturational competence of feline oocytes using supravital staining of cumulus cells by propidium iodide

Zygote ◽  
2011 ◽  
Vol 20 (4) ◽  
pp. 333-337 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kenzo Uchikura ◽  
Masashi Nagano ◽  
Mitsugu Hishinuma
Keyword(s):  
Propidium Iodide ◽  
Cumulus Cell ◽  
Membrane Integrity ◽  
Cumulus Cells ◽  
Nuclear Maturation ◽  
Non Invasive ◽  
Maturation Rate ◽  
Cell Layers ◽  
The Relationship

SummaryWe examined the relationship between integrity of cumulus cells and nuclear maturation rate after in vitro culture to determine a non-invasive prediction of the maturational competence of feline oocytes. Feline cumulus–oocyte complexes (COCs) were collected from either small (400–800 μm) or large (≥800 μm) follicles. Immediately after collection, cumulus cells were evaluated morphologically (thickness of cumulus cell layers) and stained with propidium iodide (PI), which penetrates only non-viable cells. Cumulus cells without PI staining were judged as having good membrane integrity. After evaluation, COCs were cultured for 30 h and their nuclear maturation rate was determined. The nuclear maturation rate of oocytes derived from large follicles (89.8%) was higher (p < 0.05) than that from small follicles (60.8%). There was no difference in the maturation rate of oocytes from follicles with the same size regardless of cumulus morphology. In contrast, oocytes that had cumulus cells with good membrane integrity showed a higher maturation rate (93.8%) than oocytes with poor cumulus integrity (76.9%) in large follicles (p < 0.05). We conclude that evaluation of membrane integrity of cumulus cells by propidium iodide staining can be used to predict the maturational competence of oocytes.

294 EFFECTS OF FOLLICULAR FLUID OBTAINED FROM REPEAT BREEDER DAIRY HEIFER ON MATURATION OF BOVINE OOCYTES IN VITRO

2015 ◽  
Vol 27 (1) ◽  
pp. 236
Author(s):  
M. Kafi ◽  
M. R. Divar ◽  
S. Gharib-Zadeh
Keyword(s):  
Follicular Fluid ◽  
Present Experiment ◽  
Calf Serum ◽  
Low Fertility ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Normal Fertility ◽  
Maturation Rate ◽  
Bovine Oocytes ◽  
Repeat Breeder

The cause of repeat breeding syndrome is often difficult to explain in dairy heifers with no clinical abnormalities. The aim of the present experiment was to determine the effect of follicular fluid obtained from the preovulatory follicle of repeat breeder heifers on maturation of bovine oocytes in vitro. Holstein virgin heifers either with normal fertility (VH, n = 5) or repeat breeder syndrome (RB, n = 5) were used in the present experiment. The RB heifers had a history of at least 5 unsuccessful consequent artificial breeding. The reason for using such RB heifers was to exclude the possibility of the presence of usual causes of infertility in heifers. Oestrus cycles of all heifers were synchronized using 2 injections of PGF2a 11 days apart. Six to 12 h after oestrus detection, clear follicular fluid samples from the ovulatory follicles were collected transrectally using a long fine-needle covered by a hard plastic tube. Follicular fluid samples were pooled, centrifuged, and frozen until used in the maturation medium. A total of 483 good or excellent quality bovine cumulus-oocytes complexes (COC) were obtained from 2 to 6 mm follicles in diameter from slaughterhouse ovaries and randomly allocated in 3 groups; in group 1 (control, n = 180), oocytes were cultured in TCM-199 supplemented with 10% heat-treated fetal calf serum and hormones (5 IU mL–1 of hCG plus 0.1 IU mL–1 of rFSH); in group 2 (n = 126), oocytes were cultured in TCM-199 supplemented with 10% filtered follicular fluid of VH without hormones; in group 3 (n = 177), oocytes were cultured in TCM-199 supplemented with 10% filtered follicular fluid of RB heifers without hormones. All oocytes were cultured for 24 h at 39°C in an atmosphere of 5% CO2 under 90% humidity. At the end of maturation, the degree of cumulus expansion was evaluated and scored under a stereomicroscope. Then, oocytes were mechanically denuded using 3% sodium citrate and repeated pipetting and were fixed in ethanol/acetic acid (3 : 1) for 24 h. The oocytes were subsequently stained with 1% aceto-orcein and evaluated for meiotic resumption. Proportions were statistically analysed using a Chi-squared test (significant at P < 0.05; SPSS program, 11.5). The percentages of fully expanded COC differed among groups (P < 0.001). The maturation rate (MII stage) was 83% (150/180) in oocytes that were cultured in the presence of FCS as the control group. However, a reduction in the maturation rate was observed when oocytes were cultured either in VH follicular fluid (71.4%, 90/126; P < 0.01) or RB follicular fluid (59.3%, 105/177; P < 0.001) compared to the control group. The percentages of matured oocytes were also different between VH and RB follicular fluid (71.4 v. 59.3%; P < 0.01, respectively). In conclusion, the quality of follicular fluid of the preovulatory follicles of repeat breeder heifers is lower than that of the virgin heifers with normal fertility. This may explain the cause of the low fertility in some repeat breeder Holstein heifers.

scholarly journals Sequential exposure of porcine cumulus cells to FSH and/or LH is critical for appropriate expression of steroidogenic and ovulation-related genes that impact oocyte maturation in vivo and in vitro

Reproduction ◽  
2008 ◽  
Vol 136 (1) ◽  
pp. 9-21 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ikkou Kawashima ◽  
Tetsuji Okazaki ◽  
Noritaka Noma ◽  
Masahide Nishibori ◽  
Yasuhisa Yamashita ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Oocyte Maturation ◽  
Chorionic Gonadotropin ◽  
Follicular Fluid ◽  
Culture System ◽  
Expression Patterns ◽  
Cumulus Cell ◽  
Cumulus Cells ◽  
Developmental Competence ◽  
Antral Follicles

In this study, we collected follicular fluid, granulosa cells, and cumulus cells from antral follicles at specific time intervals following equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG) and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) treatment of gilts. The treatment with eCG increased the production of estrogen coordinately with up-regulated proliferation of granulosa and cumulus cells. eCG also induced the expression ofLHCGRandPGRin cumulus cells and progesterone accumulation was detected in follicular fluid prior to the LH/hCG surge. Moreover, progesterone and progesterone receptor (PGR) were critical for FSH-inducedLHCGRexpression in cumulus cells in culture. The expression ofLHCGRmRNA in cumulus cells was associated with the ability of LH to induce prostaglandin production, release of epidermal growth factor (EGF)-like factors, and a disintegrin and metalloprotease with thrombospondin-like repeats 1 expression, promoting cumulus cell oocyte complexes (COCs) expansion and oocyte maturation. Based on the unique expression and regulation ofPGRandLHCGRin cumulus cells, we designed a novel porcine COCs culture system in which hormones were added sequentially to mimic changes observedin vivo. Specifically, COCs from small antral follicles were pre-cultured with FSH and estradiol for 10 h at which time progesterone was added for another 10 h. After 20 h, COCs were moved to fresh medium containing LH, EGF, and progesterone. The oocytes matured in this revised COC culture system exhibited greater developmental competence to blastocyst stage. From these results, we conclude that to achieve optimal COC expansion and oocyte maturation in culture the unique gene expression patterns in cumulus cells of each species need to be characterized and used to increase the effectiveness of hormone stimulation.

The effect of FF-MAS on porcine cumulus–oocyte complex maturation, fertilization and pronucleus formation in vitro

Zygote ◽  
2006 ◽  
Vol 14 (3) ◽  
pp. 189-199 ◽  
Author(s):  
Inger Faerge ◽  
Frantisek Strejcek ◽  
Jozef Laurincik ◽  
Detlef Rath ◽  
Heiner Niemann ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Oocyte Maturation ◽  
Follicular Fluid ◽  
Developmental Potential ◽  
Nuclear Maturation ◽  
Cumulus Oocyte Complex ◽  
Constant Ph ◽  
Porcine Oocyte ◽  
Fine Glass ◽  
Epidermal Growth

SummaryFollicular fluid meiosis-activating sterol (FF-MAS) has been isolated from the follicular fluid (FF) of several species including man. FF-MAS increases the quality of in vitro oocyte maturation, and thus the developmental potential of oocytes exposed to FF-MAS during in vitro maturation is improved. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of FF-MAS on porcine oocyte maturation and pronucleus formation in vitro. Porcine cumulus–oocyte complexes (COCs) were isolated from abattoir ovaries and in vitro matured for 48 h in NCSU 37 medium supplemented with 1 mg/l cysteine, 10 ng/ml epidermal growth factor and 50 μM 2-mercaptoethanol with or without 10% porcine follicular fluid (pFF). For the first 22 h, 1 mM db-cAMP and 10 I.E PMSG/hCG was added. The medium was supplemented with 1 μM, 3 μM, 10 μM, 30 μM or 100 μM FF-MAS dissolved in ethanol. After maturation the COCs were denuded mechanically using a fine glass pipette under constant pH and in vitro fertilized with fresh semen (5 × 105 spermatozoa/ml). The presumptive zygotes were evaluated 18 h after fertilization. The addition of pFF increased the monospermic as well as the polyspermic penetration of oocytes. In the absence of pFF, the addition of FF-MAS decreased the polyspermic penetration rate, whereas FF-MAS in combination with pFF decreased monospermic and increased polyspermic penetration. The degeneration rate of ova decreased in the presence of FF-MAS irrespective of the presence or absence of pFF. In the absence of pFF, FF-MAS at 3–10 μM increased the number of zygotes with advanced maternal pronuclear stages. In supraphysiological doses, i.e. 30–100 μM, FF-MAS dose-dependently and reversibly inhibited nuclear maturation in the absence of pFF.

169 Nuclear Maturation Kinetics and In Vitro Fecundation of Immature Bovine Oocytes Injected into Preovulatory Follicles

2018 ◽  
Vol 30 (1) ◽  
pp. 224
Author(s):  
L. M. S. Simoes ◽  
A. P. C. Santos ◽  
E. A. Lima ◽  
R. E. Orlandi ◽  
M. P. Bottino ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Oocyte Maturation ◽  
Germinal Vesicle ◽  
Causative Factor ◽  
Nuclear Maturation ◽  
Preovulatory Follicles ◽  
Fertilization Capacity ◽  
Bovine Oocytes ◽  
Metaphase I

The objective was to evaluate in vitro nuclear maturation and fecundation kinetics of oocytes injected into preovulatory follicles of synchronized cows using the intra-follicular oocyte injection (IFOI) technique. In experiment 1, 438 immature abattoir-bovine cumulus–oocyte complexes (COC) of grades I, II, and III were randomly allocated to 1 of 3 groups: Matvitro (n = 111), COC matured in vitro for 22 h; Matvivo20 (n = 172) and Matvivo30 (n = 155), 30 oocytes were injected into each preovulatory follicle of pre-synchronized recipients. In Matvivo20, oocytes were matured for 19.8 ± 0.1 h and in Matvivo30, for 28.3 ± 0.1 h. All cows received 12.5 mg of LH (Lutropin, Bioniche, Canada) at IFOI (Matvivo20) or 10 h after IFOI (Matvivo30). Oocytes from Matvivo20 and Matvivo30 were aspirated 20 h after LH injection for assessment of oocyte maturation and recovery rates. Oocytes were evaluated according to maturation kinetics as germinal vesicle, metaphase I, anaphase I, telophase I, metaphase II, parthenogenetically activated, and degenerated (chromosomal aberrations, presence of diffuse or indefinite chromatin). In experiment 2, immature abattoir-bovine COC (n = 202) of grades I, II, and III were randomly distributed into 2 groups: Matvitro (n = 103), COC were matured and fertilized in vitro; Matvivo (n = 99), same as Matvivo20 protocol, and COC fertilized in vitro. Presumptive zygotes were evaluated as fertilized, unfertilized, or polyspermic. Statistical analyses were performed by the GLIMMIX procedure of SAS (SAS Institute Inc., Cary, NC, USA). Recovery rate was lower (P < 0.001) in Matvivo20 (52.9%, 91/172) compared with Matvivo30 (72.9%, 113/155). Germinal vesicle (P = 0.94), metaphase I (P = 0.98), anaphase I (P = 0.99), and telophase I (P = 0.20) rates were similar. However, there were differences in metaphase II [Matvitro: 81.0% (90/111)a, Matvivo20: 74.5% (35/47)a, and Matvivo30: 41.6% (32/77)b; P = 0.001], degenerate [Matvitro: 5.4% (6/111)c, Matvivo20: 21.3% (10/47)b and Matvivo30: 48.1% (37/77); P = 0.001] and parthenogenetically activated [Matvitro: 0.0% (0/111)b, Matvivo20: 0.0% (0/47)b and Matvivo30: 9.1% (7/77)a; P = 0.001]. Polyspermic (P = 0.18) and abnormal (P = 0.98) rates were similar. However, there was a higher rate (P = 0.05) of fertilized oocytes in Matvivo (60.6%, 60/99) than in Matvitro (46.6%, 48/103). In conclusion, oocyte maturation in vivo after IFOI for 20 h does not alter maturation kinetics and increases in vitro oocyte fertilization capacity. However, the 10-h increase in intra-follicular oocyte permanence decreased the proportion of viable oocytes. Thus, the oocyte maturation phase is not the limiting causative factor for the low IFOI-embryo production rates.

Baicalin improves IVM of pig oocytes and subsequent preimplantation embryo development by inhibiting apoptosis

2019 ◽  
Vol 31 (5) ◽  
pp. 983 ◽  
Author(s):  
Qing Guo ◽  
Mei-Fu Xuan ◽  
Zhao-Bo Luo ◽  
Jun-Xia Wang ◽  
Song-Shan Jin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Embryo Development ◽  
Oocyte Maturation ◽  
Cumulus Cell ◽  
Subsequent Development ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Preimplantation Embryo Development ◽  
Nuclear Maturation ◽  
Expression Of Genes ◽  
Pig Oocyte ◽  
Treatment Control Group

Baicalin, a monomer of flavonoids extracted from dried roots of Scutellaria baicalensis, is used to treat female infertility. However, the effect of baicalin on oocyte maturation is unknown. In this study we investigated the effects of baicalin on the IVM of pig oocytes and subsequent embryo development following parthenogenetic activation (PA). We found that 0.1µgmL−1 baicalin significantly (P&lt;0.05) increased the IVM rate of oocytes compared with the non-treatment (control) group by reducing levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS). In addition, the mRNA expression of genes related to nuclear maturation and cumulus cell expansion, mitochondrial membrane potential and ATP content was significantly (P&lt;0.05) higher in baicalin-treated than control oocytes. To determine whether baicalin treatment during IVM of pig oocytes improves subsequent development of PA embryos, we measured the cleavage and blastocyst formation rates, as well as the number of cells per blastocyst. All these parameters were significantly (P&lt;0.05) higher in the baicalin-treated than control group. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that baicalin improves pig oocyte maturation and subsequent embryo development invitro by inhibiting production of ROS and reducing apoptosis in oocytes.

Inhibition of Cumulus Cell Progesterone Secretion by Low Molecular Weight Fractions of Porcine Follicular Fluid Which Also Inhibit Oocyte Maturation*

Endocrinology ◽  
1980 ◽  
Vol 106 (2) ◽  
pp. 584-591 ◽  
Author(s):  
TORBJORN HILLENSJO ◽  
SEYMOUR H. POMERANTZ ◽  
ALISON SCHWARTZ-KRIPNER ◽  
LARRY D. ANDERSON ◽  
CORNELIA P. CHANNING
Keyword(s):  
Molecular Weight ◽  
Oocyte Maturation ◽  
Follicular Fluid ◽  
Cumulus Cell ◽  
Low Molecular Weight ◽  
Progesterone Secretion ◽  
Molecular Weight Fractions

Differential effects of linoleic and alpha-linolenic fatty acids on spatial and temporal mitochondrial distribution and activity in bovine oocytes

2012 ◽  
Vol 24 (5) ◽  
pp. 679 ◽  
Author(s):  
Waleed F. Marei ◽  
D. Claire Wathes ◽  
Ali A. Fouladi-Nashta
Keyword(s):  
Membrane Potential ◽  
Oocyte Maturation ◽  
Inhibitory Effect ◽  
Inner Membrane ◽  
Nuclear Maturation ◽  
Mitochondrial Inner Membrane ◽  
Maturation Rate ◽  
Microscope Imaging ◽  
Mitochondrial Distribution ◽  
Bovine Oocytes

Using specific stains and confocal microscope imaging, the patterns of mitochondrial distribution, mitochondrial inner membrane potential and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels during bovine oocyte maturation were determined in the presence or absence of physiological concentrations of linoleic acid (LA; 100 µM) or α-linolenic acid (ALA; 50 µM). Mitochondrial distribution in control oocytes at 0 h was mainly peripheral and changed to a diffused pattern after 1 h of culture; this was maintained up to 24 h. Mitochondrial clusters were observed during the early hours of maturation (1–4 h); the majority of these were arranged in perinuclear fashion. LA supplementation resulted in: (1) delayed redistribution of the mitochondria from a peripheral to a diffuse pattern and a decreased percentages of oocytes showing perinuclear mitochondrial clusters, (2) decreased mitochondrial inner membrane potential at 1 and 24 h compared with the control and (3) higher ROS levels, associated with a lower nuclear maturation rate. In contrast, ALA supplementation had no effect on mitochondrial distribution and activity and decreased ROS levels compared with the control; this was associated with an increased nuclear maturation rate. In conclusion, LA induced alterations in mitochondrial distribution and activity as well as increasing ROS levels, which mediate, at least in part, the inhibitory effect on oocyte maturation.

scholarly journals Canine oviductal exosomes improve oocyte development via EGFR/MAPK signaling pathway

Reproduction ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 160 (4) ◽  
pp. 613-625 ◽  
Author(s):  
Seok Hee Lee ◽  
Hyun Ju Oh ◽  
Min Jung Kim ◽  
Byeong Chun Lee
Keyword(s):  
Mapk Pathway ◽  
Expression Patterns ◽  
Cumulus Cell ◽  
Cumulus Cells ◽  
Potential Effect ◽  
Mapk Signaling ◽  
Bioactive Molecules ◽  
Oocyte Development ◽  
Maturation Rate ◽  
Ovulatory Follicles

Oviduct cells produce a favorable environment for the development of gametes by generating multiple growth factors. Particularly, in canine species, immature oocytes undergo serial maturation processes in the oviduct, while the other mammals already possess matured oocytes in ovulatory follicles. However, little is known about the potential effect exhibited by the components released from canine oviduct cells (OCs) for modulating the biological function of oocytes. Recently, exosomes are regarded as promising extracellular vesicles because they represent considerable data for molecular cargo. Therefore, we first investigated the effect of canine oviductal exosomes (OC-Exo) on oocyte development via EGFR/MAPK pathway. Our results showed that OC-Exo labeled with PHK67 are successfully incorporated with cumulus cells and oocytes during IVM. Also, OC-Exo markedly increased the proportion of cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) exhibiting cumulus expansion as well as cumulus cell proliferation and maturation rate of oocytes (P < 0.05). Furthermore, gene expression patterns related with EGFR/MAPK pathway including EGFR, PKA, TACE/ADAM17, MAPK1/3, MAPK14, PTGS2, TNFAIP6, GDF9, and BMP15 were positively modified in COCs cultured with OC-Exo (P < 0.05). In addition, OC-Exo significantly up-regulated the protein expression levels of p-EGFR, p-MAPK1/3, GDF9 and BMP15 in COCs (P < 0.05). Consequently, the current study provides a model for understanding the roles of OC-Exo as bioactive molecules for canine oocyte maturation via EGFR/MAPK pathway, which would open a new avenue for the application of exosomes to improve assisted reproductive technology in mammals, including humans.

167 Effect of Storage Time and Temperature of a Commercial Embryo Holding Medium on the Maturation Kinetics of Immature Bovine Oocytes

2018 ◽  
Vol 30 (1) ◽  
pp. 223
Author(s):  
O. B. Pascottini ◽  
M. Catteeuw ◽  
A. Van Soom ◽  
G. Opsomer
Keyword(s):  
Oocyte Maturation ◽  
Germinal Vesicle ◽  
Holding Time ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Nuclear Maturation ◽  
Maturation Medium ◽  
Maturation Rate ◽  
Maturation Stages ◽  
Bovine Oocytes ◽  
Kinetics Of

The effect of holding time and temperature during storage of immature bovine oocytes in a commercial embryo holding medium (EHM; Syngro® Ltd., Livingston, United Kingdom) was evaluated. Ovaries were collected at the local slaughterhouse and processed within 2 h. Cumulus-oocyte complexes (COC) were collected and allocated to groups of 60. The COC were held in 1-mL sterile glass osmometer tubes, filled to the top with the EHM to limit the amount of air. Vials were capped and covered with parafilm to ensure a tight seal and prevent leakage. Tubes were stored for 6 h at 4°C, room temperature (RT), or 38.5°C; for 10 h at 4°C and RT; and for 14 h at RT. Next, oocytes were fixed after storage in EHM (immature holding) or fixed after being held in EHM and subsequent 22-h maturation at 38.5°C in 5% CO2 in humidified air (mature holding). Maturation medium consisted of modified bicarbonate-buffered TCM-199 supplemented with gentamycin and epidermal growth factor. During all experiments, a control group was included each time. The control consisted of groups of 60 COC immediately fixed after collection or transferred to maturation medium for 22 h and subsequently fixed. Nuclear maturation of oocytes was assessed after Hoechst 33342 staining, using a 400× magnification fluorescence microscope. A total of 3043 COC were evaluated in 3 replicates. Oocytes maturation stages were classified as (1) oocytes in germinal vesicle stage, (2) oocytes in meiotic progression (diakinesis, metaphase I, or anaphase), (3) matured (telophase I or metaphase II), and (4) degenerated (degraded chromatin). Oocytes remained at the germinal vesicle stage when held in EHM (without subsequent maturation) regardless of holding time and temperature (P > 0.05). When oocytes were held for 6 h and subsequently matured (Table 1), the number of matured oocytes was significantly lower for oocytes held at 38.5°C compared with the other groups (control, RT, and 4°C). When held for 10 h, the oocyte maturation rate was similar between the control and RT groups (P > 0.05), but it was significantly lower in oocytes held at 4°C. Last, when compared with oocytes held at RT for 14 h, the maturation rate was higher in the control group (P < 0.05). To conclude, immature bovine oocytes can be successfully held in EHM at RT for up to 10 h. Storing immature oocytes in EHM can delay oocyte maturation and concomitantly synchronize maturation. Table 1.Kinetics of cumulus-oocyte complex nuclear status after storage in embryo holding medium for different times and temperatures and subsequent 22-h maturation

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