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The role of reactive oxygen species (ROS) during oocyte in vitro maturation (IVM) is still controversial. Although an increase in ROS production may cause deleterious effects in cells, these reactive species may also act as signaling molecules influencing different cell functions. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of varying endogenous ROS levels during IVM on the process of bovine oocyte maturation. To do so, different enzymatic antioxidant (catalase, or superoxide dismutase + catalase, or diphenyl iodonium) or pro-oxidant systems (xanthine + xanthine oxidase, or xanthine + xanthine oxidase + catalase) were added to the culture medium. ROS levels were determined by 2′,7′-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate stain, nuclear maturation was evaluated by the presence of the metaphase II chromosome configuration at 22h of IVM and cleavage rate was recorded 48h post- in vitro fertilization. ROS levels were only significantly increased (P2 .- generating system (xanthine + xanthine oxidase + catalase), but meiotic maturation rates were significantly lower (P

[Ca2+]i is essential for mammalian oocyte maturation and early embryonic development, as those processes are Ca2+ dependent. In the present study, we investigated the effect of [Ca2+]i on in vitro maturation and reprogramming of oocytes in a lower calcium model of oocyte at metaphase II (MII) stage, which was established by adding cell-permeant Ca2+ chelator BAPTA-AM to the maturation medium. Results showed that the extrusion of the first polar body (PB1) was delayed, and oocyte cytoplasmic maturation, including mitochondrial and endoplasmic reticulum distribution, was impaired in lower calcium model. The low-calcium-model oocytes presented a poor developmental phenotype of somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) embryos at the beginning of activation of zygotic genome. At the same time, oxidative stress and apoptosis were observed in the low-calcium-model oocytes; subsequently, an RNA-seq analysis of the lower-calcium-model oocytes screened 24 genes responsible for the poor oocyte reprogramming, and six genes (ID1, SOX2, DPPA3, ASF1A, MSL3, and KDM6B) were identified by quantitative PCR. Analyzing the expression of these genes is helpful to elucidate the mechanisms of [Ca2+]i regulating oocyte reprogramming. The most significant difference gene in this enriched item was ID1. Our results showed that the low calcium might give rise to oxidative stress and apoptosis, resulting in impaired maturation of bovine oocytes and possibly affecting subsequent reprogramming ability through the reduction of ID1.

This study was aimed to determine the effect of urea in maturation medium on in vitro oocyte maturation rate. The medium used was TCM-199 added with Hepes, NaHCO3, Kanamycin 0.15 IU/mL, PMSG, 0.15 IU/mL hCG, and 10% FBS. Cumulus oocyte complexes (COCs) of cows derived from follicle aspiration were divided into three groups. In control group (P0), the COCs were matured in vitro in a maturation medium without urea addition, meanwhile in the P1 and P2 groups, the medium was added with urea 20 and 40 mg/dL, respectively. Each petri dish contained three drops of maturation medium (300 µl/drops) according to the groups. Microdrops were coated with mineral oil and then incubated in a 5% CO2 incubator, at 39 ˚C with maximum humidity. Aceto-orcein staining was conducted to evaluate the maturation of oocytes based on the achievement of metaphase II phase that is indicated by the presence of metaphase plate and/or first polar body. The result showed that the oocyte maturation rates of P0, P1, and P2 were 51.25, 52.43 (p >0.05), and 46.88 % (p

The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP) on meiotic arrest and developmental competence of bovine oocyte derived from follicles of different sizes. Collected immature cumulus-oocyte complexes from small follicles (

The effects of hypoxanthine (HX) at low concentrations on the ability of bovine oocyte to mature to metaphase 2 (M2) and to fertilize in vitro have been studied. It is proved that exogenous HX even at a low concentration, which was introduced into the HX-free and protein-free alpha-MEM medium supplemented with 1 μg/mL follicle-stimulating hormone, can significantly decrease the proportions of both the oocytes the matured to stage M2 and the penetrated and normally fertilized oocytes. It is indicated that the data may be used in order to develop commercial media for in vitro maturation of oocytes of mammalia, including humans.

El presente trabajo de tesis consistió en evaluar el efecto del zinc (Zn) durante la maduración de los ovocitos de bovino sobre la capacidad de desarrollo embrionario posterior. Para tal fin, se han establecido los siguientes objetivos: 1) estudiar el efecto de distintas concentraciones de Zn sobre la maduración del ovocito bovino; 2) evaluar el efecto de distintas concentraciones de Zn durante la maduración in vitro (MIV) sobre la capacidad de desarrollo posterior hasta el estadio de blastocisto y 3) determinar el rol de las células del cúmulus como puente metabólico entre el medio externo y el ovocito. Para ello, se utilizó como modelo experimental, la técnica de Producción in vitro (PIV) de embriones bovinos que comprende tres etapas: MIV, Fertilización in vitro y Cultivo in vitro de embriones hasta el estadio de blastocisto. La PIV se realizó con ovocitos obtenidos a partir de ovarios bovinos de frigorífico. Los resultados mostraron que: 1) la suplementación con Zn no modificó la concentración intracelular de GSH/GSSG en ovocitos y células del cúmulus excepto cuando se utilizó una concentración de 0,7 μg/ml Zn, 2) disminuye la tasa de apoptosis y el daño en el ADN en dichas células y 3) aumenta la actividad SOD en los complejos ovocito-cúmulus. Además, 4) el agregado de Zn incrementó la tasa de blastocistos y 5) mejoró la calidad de los embriones. La tasa de blastocistos aumentó independientemente de la presencia de CC durante la MIV. En consecuencia, todas las evidencias obtenidas sugerirían que el Zn actuaría como un factor importante durante la maduración del ovocito bovino favoreciendo el desarrollo embrionario temprano. Estas evidencias sugerirían además, la posible existencia de transportadores de Zn en el ovocito bovino., This study evaluated the effect of zinc (Zn) during bovine oocyte maturation on preimplantational embryo development. For this purpose, we have established the following objectives: 1) Effect of different Zn concentrations on in vitro maturation (IVM) of bovine oocytes; 2) Effect of different Zn concentrations during IVM of bovine oocytes on subsequent embryo development to the blastocyst stage, and 3) Role of cumulus cells (CC) as metabolic bridge between the external medium and the oocyte. For this end, bovine in vitro embryo production (IVP) was used as experimental model. The IVP technique consists of three steps: IVM, in vitro fertilization and in vitro culture of embryos until blastocyst stage. The IVP was performed using bovine oocytes obtained from slaughterhouse ovaries. The results obtained here showed that: 1) The addition of Zn to IVM medium did not affect intracellular GSH-GSSG content in oocytes and CC with the exception of 0,7 μg/ml Zn; 2) The rates of apoptosis and DNA damage, in both oocytes and CC, were reduced when Zn was added to IVM medium; 3) SOD activity was higher in cumulus-oocyte complexes matured with the addition of Zn to IVM medium; 4) the addition of Zn in IVM medium improved the blastocyst rate and embryo quality; 5) the percentage of blastocysts was enhanced regardless of the presence of CC during IVM. Consequently, all evidences obtained suggest that Zn acts as an important factor during bovine oocyte maturation promoting early embryo development. Besides, these evidences suggest that Zn transporters might exist in the oocytes., Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias

Moringa oleifera seed extract was added to the in vitro maturation media of bovine oocytes as an alternative antibiotic to evaluate its effect on the oocyte maturation and its antimicrobial activity. Oocytes (n = 405) were recovered from ovaries from slaughtered cows, classified by quality and divided in four categories according to the cytoplasm appearance and cumulus cells layers. Oocytes were washed four times in TCM-199 supplemented with fetal bovine serum (FBS) and FSH, then placed in maturation media, which contained TCM-199 supplemented with FBS, FSH and the corresponding treatments: TCM-199+gentamicin (Control), TCM-199 without antibiotic (Test), moringa (M) 1.0, 5.0 and 10.0 mg/mL. After 22 h at 38.5°C in a 5% CO2 humidified atmosphere, oocytes were examined to determine cumulus expansion (as categorical results yes or no) and cumulus expansion Index (CEI). Additionally, 400 µL of used maturation media was retrieved and stored for the antimicrobial activity tests in agar cultures. Evaluation of the cultures for colony-forming units (CFU) was done at 24 and 48 h post culture. Results were analyzed with Chi Square test (for expansion rates) and an ANOVA (for the CEI and CFU) using the SAS system, data are presented as mean ± standard error. Statistically, there was no difference between treatments (P >0.05). Numerically M 1.0 and Test obtained the highest maturation rate (96.43%; 96.20%). M 1.0 and Control showed the highest CEI (2.26±0.21; 2.25±0.26). For the CFU count, Control showed the lowest result at 24 and 48 h post culture (0.00 ± 0.00; 0.11 ± 0.33), as M 10.0 showed the highest result at both 24 and 48 h (2.00 ± 3.60; 2.55 ± 4.58). The addition M 1.0 mg/mL to the maturation media is an alternative for the use of conventional antibiotics without decreasing maturation rates.

The antral follicle count (AFC) is used as an indicator of cow fertility. We herein investigated the relationship between AFC and the steroidogenesis of granulosa cells and confirmed the developmental competence of oocytes derived from early antral follicles (0.5-1.0 mm) using in vitro growth culture. Slaughterhouse -derived ovaries were divided into high (>= 25) and low (< 25) AFC groups based on AFC (>= 2.0 mm). Oocyte-cumulus-granulosa complexes (OCGC5) collected from early antral follicles were cultured for 12 days. The total number, viability, and diameter of granulosa cells and estradiol-17 beta and progesterone production during the culture were evaluated. Surviving oocytes on day 12 were subjected to in vitro maturation, and their volume and nuclear status were evaluated. Some oocytes were subjected to the evaluation of developmental competence to blastocysts. Although the total number and viability of granulosa cells did not differ between the groups, granulosa cell diameters were smaller in the high AFC group than in the low AFC group. The estradiol-17 beta and progesterone ratio on day 8 was higher in the high AFC group than in the low AFC group. Oocyte volumes and nuclear maturation rates were greater in the high AFC group than in the low AFC group. The development rate to blastocysts was 9.1% in the high AFC group, while no oocytes developed to blastocysts in the low AFC group. Therefore, estradiol-17 beta production by granulosa cells appears to be greater in high AFC cattle than in low AFC cattle, thereby promoting the acquisition of oocyte competence.

The objective of this research was to estimate the optimal timing for fertilization to achieve proper embryonic development of in vitro-matured bovine oocytes. First, cumulus-oocyte complexes were subjected to in vitro maturation (IVM) for 14–22 hr. The timing when 50% of oocytes reached metaphase II stage was estimated to be 17.5 hr after IVM start. Next, using oocytes subjected to IVM for 12–30 hr, sperm penetration was examined after 4–18 hr of in vitro fertilization (IVF). A significant negative correlation between IVM duration and the timing when 50% of oocytes were penetrated by sperm after IVF start was observed (P

When the effects of heat stress are detrimental during maturation, cumulus cells are intimately associated with the oocyte. To determine the extent to which heat stress affects these cells, in this study, transcriptome profiles of the cumulus that surrounded control and heat-stressed oocytes (41 °C during the first 12 h only and then shifted back to 38.5 °C) duringin vitromaturation (IVM) were compared using Affymetrix bovine microarrays. The comparison of cumulus-derived profiles revealed a number of transcripts whose levels were increased (n=11) or decreased (n=13) ≥ twofold after heat stress exposure (P1.7-fold decrease in the protein levels of latent matrix metallopeptidase 9 (proMMP9). Heat-induced reductions in transcript levels were noted at 6 h IVM with reductions in proMMP9 protein levels at 18 h IVM (P=0.0002). Independent of temperature, proMMP9 levels at 24 h IVM were positively correlated with the development rate of blastocysts (R2=0.36;P=0.002). The production of progesterone increased during maturation; heat-induced increases were evident by 12 h IVM (P=0.002). Both MMP9 and progesterone are associated with the developmental competence of the oocyte; thus, it seems plausible for some of the negative consequences of heat stress on the cumulus–oocyte complex to be mediated through heat-induced perturbations occurring in the surrounding cumulus.

Mobile phone use has arisen and rapidly been increased during last decades and therefore electromagnetic radiation or heat sourcing from mobile phones and its possible damages has become focus of interest. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of mobile phone signals on in vitro maturation of bovine oocytes. A total of 224 bovine cumulus oocyte complexes were matured in vitro and separated into two groups, and only treatment group received mobile phone signals for 100 min by calling 5 min/h. Following maturation period, oocytes were stained by fluorescent stain to assess maturation rates. The results showed that oocytes reaching Metaphase I and Metaphase II stage were 35.2±2.24 % and 48.2±2.21 % for treatment group whereas 11.9±1.45 % and 73.8±4.60 % for controls, respectively (P

The new European chemicals policy for the Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) will most probably impose a dramatic increase in the number of animals required for reproductive toxicity testing. For this purpose, the development and validation of alternative methods is urgently needed in order to reduce the use of laboratory animals. The present study describes the inter-laboratory variability and the transferability assessment of an in vitro test able to identify chemical effects during the process of oocyte maturation in a bovine model. The test was developed/optimised within ReProTect, an integrated research project funded by the European Union, joining together 35 partners with complementary expertise in reproductive toxicology. Eight chemicals with well-known toxic properties were tested (benzo[a]pyrene, busulfan, cadmium chloride, cycloheximide, diethylstilbestrol, ketoconazole, methylacetoacetate, mifepristone/RU-486 and DMSO as solvent) on the in vitro maturation (IVM) assay in two well-trained laboratories using the established Standard Operating Procedures. The statistical analysis demonstrated the concordance of results across the laboratories and the reproducibility of the test. We therefore conclude that the IVM test could advance toward the process of validation as alternative in vitro method that, in combination with additional in vitro tests, can become part of an integrated testing strategy in order to predict chemical hazards on mammalian fertility.

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El presente trabajo de tesis consistió en evaluar el efecto de la adición de Cu durante la maduración in vitro (MIV) de ovocitos bovinos y sus consecuencias en el desarrollo embrionario preimplantacional. Para tal fin, se establecieron los siguientes objetivos: 1) evaluar la asociación entre las concentraciones de Cu en licor folicular y en plasma; 2) estudiar el efecto del Cu sobre la MIV; 3) evaluar el efecto del Cu durante la MIV sobre la capacidad de desarrollo embrionario y 4) determinar el efecto del Cu en la MIV con ovocitos desnudos, con células del cúmulus en cocultivo o de COC completos. Para ello se utilizó como modelo experimental la Producción in vitro (PIV) de embriones bovino. La PIV se realizó con ovocitos obtenidos de ovarios bovinos de frigorífico. Los resultados mostraron que: 1) la concentración de Cu en el licor folicular está determinado por el estatus de Cu en el plasma; 2) el agregado de Cu al medio de MIV incrementó la concentración intracelular de GSH-GSSG en el ovocito y las CC, 3) disminuyó la tasa de apoptosis y el daño en el ADN en dichas células. Además, 4) el agregado de Cu incrementó la tasa de blastocistos y mejoró la calidad de los embriones; y 5) la tasa de blastocistos aumentó independientemente de la presencia de CC durante la MIV. En consecuencia, este estudio sugiere que el Cu actuaría como un factor importante durante la maduración del ovocito bovino favoreciendo el desarrollo embrionario temprano. Además, las evidencias obtenidas sugieren la posible existencia de transportadores de Cu en el complejo ovocito-cúmulus de bovino. This study evaluated the effect of adding copper (Cu) during bovine in vitro maturation (IVM) on preimplantational embryo development. For this purpose, we established the following objectives: 1) Study the relationship between Cu concentrations in follicular fluids and plasma; 2) Study the effect of different Cu concentrations on IVM of bovine oocytes; 3) Study the effect of different Cu concentrations during IVM on subsequent embryo development to the blastocyst stage; and 5) Study the role of cumulus cells (CC) as metabolic bridge between the external medium and the oocyte. For this end, bovine in vitro embryo production (IVP) was used as experimental model, including IVM, in vitro fertilization and in vitro culture of embryos. The IVP was performed using bovine oocytes obtainer from slaughterhouse. The results showed that: 1) Copper concentrations in follicular fluid depend on Cu plasma concentrations, 2) The addition of Cu to IVM medium increased intracellular GSH-GSSG content in oocytes and CC; 3) The rates of apoptosis and DNA damage, in both oocytes and CC, were reduced when Cu was added to IVM medium; 4) The addition of Cu in IVM medium improved the blastocyst rate and embryo quality; and 5) The percentage of blastocysts was enhanced regardless of the presence of CC during IVM. Consequently, this study indicates that Cu acts as an important factor during bovine oocyte maturation promoting early embryo development. Besides, these results suggest that Cu transporters might exist in bovine cumulus-oocyte complex. Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias

In this study, the hypothesis that embryo development during routine IVF procedures is determined by the pre-ovulatory follicular fluid composition was tested. Follicular fluid from women with obesity ('obese') and a 'positive' or 'negative' IVF outcome was added during the in-vitro maturation of bovine oocytes. 'Negative' and 'obese' follicular fluid reduced bovine embryo development, compared with laboratory control embryo development (P < 0.05 or P < 0.1). The addition of follicular fluid also altered bovine blastocyst gene expression. Furthermore, LDHA and PPARGC1B gene expression differed between follicular fluid groups. Data suggest that pre-ovulatory follicular fluid can potentially affect oocyte developmental competence and embryo quality. Furthermore, the bovine model may be used as a screening tool. © 2014 Reproductive Healthcare Ltd. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

El presente trabajo de tesis consistió en evaluar el efecto de la adición de Cu durante la maduración in vitro (MIV) de ovocitos bovinos y sus consecuencias en el desarrollo embrionario preimplantacional. Para tal fin, se establecieron los siguientes objetivos: 1) evaluar la asociación entre las concentraciones de Cu en licor folicular y en plasma; 2) estudiar el efecto del Cu sobre la MIV; 3) evaluar el efecto del Cu durante la MIV sobre la capacidad de desarrollo embrionario y 4) determinar el efecto del Cu en la MIV con ovocitos desnudos, con células del cúmulus en cocultivo o de COC completos. Para ello se utilizó como modelo experimental la Producción in vitro (PIV) de embriones bovino. La PIV se realizó con ovocitos obtenidos de ovarios bovinos de frigorífico. Los resultados mostraron que: 1) la concentración de Cu en el licor folicular está determinado por el estatus de Cu en el plasma; 2) el agregado de Cu al medio de MIV incrementó la concentración intracelular de GSH-GSSG en el ovocito y las CC, 3) disminuyó la tasa de apoptosis y el daño en el ADN en dichas células. Además, 4) el agregado de Cu incrementó la tasa de blastocistos y mejoró la calidad de los embriones; y 5) la tasa de blastocistos aumentó independientemente de la presencia de CC durante la MIV. En consecuencia, este estudio sugiere que el Cu actuaría como un factor importante durante la maduración del ovocito bovino favoreciendo el desarrollo embrionario temprano. Además, las evidencias obtenidas sugieren la posible existencia de transportadores de Cu en el complejo ovocito-cúmulus de bovino., This study evaluated the effect of adding copper (Cu) during bovine in vitro maturation (IVM) on preimplantational embryo development. For this purpose, we established the following objectives: 1) Study the relationship between Cu concentrations in follicular fluids and plasma; 2) Study the effect of different Cu concentrations on IVM of bovine oocytes; 3) Study the effect of different Cu concentrations during IVM on subsequent embryo development to the blastocyst stage; and 5) Study the role of cumulus cells (CC) as metabolic bridge between the external medium and the oocyte. For this end, bovine in vitro embryo production (IVP) was used as experimental model, including IVM, in vitro fertilization and in vitro culture of embryos. The IVP was performed using bovine oocytes obtainer from slaughterhouse. The results showed that: 1) Copper concentrations in follicular fluid depend on Cu plasma concentrations, 2) The addition of Cu to IVM medium increased intracellular GSH-GSSG content in oocytes and CC; 3) The rates of apoptosis and DNA damage, in both oocytes and CC, were reduced when Cu was added to IVM medium; 4) The addition of Cu in IVM medium improved the blastocyst rate and embryo quality; and 5) The percentage of blastocysts was enhanced regardless of the presence of CC during IVM. Consequently, this study indicates that Cu acts as an important factor during bovine oocyte maturation promoting early embryo development. Besides, these results suggest that Cu transporters might exist in bovine cumulus-oocyte complex., Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias

The effect of mono(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (MEHP) on bovine oocyte maturation in vitro was examined. Cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) were cultured in maturation medium supplemented with various levels of MEHP for 24h, and then examined for the degree of cumulus expansion and the stage of maturation. A higher percentage of oocytes remained at the germinal vesicle (GV) stage after exposure to 75 and 100 micro M MEHP treatments (13.8 and 44.9% of oocytes, respectively) than the control (2.1% of oocytes). The proportion of oocytes that progressed to the metaphase II (MII) stage was significantly decreased with 25 micro M (59.6% of oocytes), 50 micro M (19.8%), 75 micro M (21.3%), and 100 micro M (3.1%) treatments than the control (77.3%). MEHP did not affect the process of cumulus expansion. For denuded oocytes, MEHP treatment of 50-100 micro M resulted in a significantly higher rate of oocytes remained at the GV stage compared to the control (53.4, 80.2, 88.4, and 5.4%, respectively). The rate of MII formation was significantly decreased with 10 micro M (60.9%) and 25 micro M (22.5%) MEHP treatments compared to control (68.9%). Furthermore, with 50, 75 or 100 micro M MEHP, no oocyte reached the MII stage. When COCs were cultured for 24h with 50 or 100 micro M MEHP and then cultured for an additional 24h in MEHP-free medium, most of the oocytes reached the MII stage (71.1 and 64.5%, respectively).Taken together, these results indicate that MEHP, at doses lower than those reported in blood transfusion patients, could negatively modulate bovine oocyte meiotic maturation in vitro, suggesting possible risks for human and other mammalians reproductive health.

Zhao, J., Hattori, M.-A. and Fujihara, N. 1998. Effect of Japanese Kampo Medicines on in vitro maturation of bovine oocytes and developmental capacity of embryos. J. Appl. Anim. Res., 13: 93–104. Experiments were conducted to examine the effect on in vitro maturation of bovine oocytes and subsequent developmental capacity of embryos of several Japanese Kampo Medicines (JKMs), which have been reported to be effective in the treatment for reproductive failure in both women and rats. In the first experiment, the most effective JKM and its optimal concentration were determined by adding JKMs to bovine calf serum (CS)-free TCM 199 medium and examining developmental capacities of oocytes after fertilization in vitro. Similarly, in the second experiment, the comparison of the effect of the most effective JKM on in vitro maturation with that of CS was carried out. The morphological characteristics of oocytes after in vitro maturation were also examined using transmission electron microscopy. Keishibukury...

This study was aimed at determining the effect of cysteine supplement during in vitro maturation of bovine oocytes. Cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) from abattoir ovaries were matured in vitro in Hepes-TCM 199 supplemented with 0.2 mM sodium pyruvate, 1 μg/ml 17-β-estradiol, 10% fetal calf serum (FCS), 0.5 μg/ml bFSH and 0 (control) and 100 or 500 μM/ml of cysteine for 24 h. When COCs matured in TCM 199 media with 500 μM/ml cysteine, the rate of maturation were increased as compared to the control group (53.33 vs. 33.33%, respectively) (P

Cumulus cells (CC) surround the oocyte and are coupled metabolically through regulation of nutrient intake. CC removal before in vitro maturation (IVM) decreases bovine oocyte developmental competence without affecting nuclear meiotic maturation. The objective was to investigate the influence of CC on oocyte cytoplasmic maturation in relation to energy metabolism. IVM with either cumulus-enclosed (CEO) or -denuded (DO) oocytes was performed in serum-free metabolically optimized medium. Transmission electron microscopy revealed different distribution of membrane-bound vesicles and lipid droplets between metaphase II DO and CEO. By Nile Red staining, a significant reduction in total lipid level was evidenced in DO. Global transcriptomic analysis revealed differential expression of genes regulating energy metabolism, transcription, and translation between CEO and DO. By Western blot, fatty acid synthase (FAS) and hormone-sensitive phospholipase (HSL) proteins were detected in oocytes and in CC, indicating a local lipogenesis and lypolysis. FAS protein was significantly less abundant in DO that in CEO and more highly expressed in CC than in the oocytes. On the contrary, HSL protein was more abundant in oocytes than in CC. In addition, active Ser563-phosphorylated HSL was detected in the oocytes only after IVM, and its level was similar in CEO and DO. In conclusion, absence of CC during IVM affected lipid metabolism in the oocyte and led to suboptimal cytoplasmic maturation. Thus, CC may influence the oocyte by orienting the consumption of nutritive storage via regulation of local fatty acid synthesis and lipolysis to provide energy for maturation.

El presente trabajo de tesis consistió en evaluar el efecto del manganeso (Mn) durante la maduración de los ovocitos de bovino y el desarrollo embrionario preimplantacional. Para tal fin, se han establecido los siguientes objetivos: 1) Estudiar el efecto de distintas concentraciones de Mn sobre la maduración del ovocito bovino; 2) Evaluar el efecto de distintas concentraciones de Mn durante la maduración in vitro (MIV) sobre la capacidad de desarrollo posterior hasta el estadio de blastocisto y 3) Determinar el rol de las células del cúmulus (CC) como puente metabólico entre el medio externo y el ovocito. Para ello, se utilizó como modelo experimental, la técnica de Producción in vitro (PIV) de embriones bovinos que comprende tres etapas: MIV, Fertilización in vitro y Cultivo in vitro de embriones hasta el estadio de blastocisto. La PIV se realizó con ovocitos obtenidos a partir de ovarios bovinos de frigorífico. Los resultados mostraron que: 1) El agregado de Mn al medio de maduración incrementó la concentración intracelular de GSH-GSSG en el ovocito y las CC, 2) disminuyó la tasa de apoptosis y el daño en el ADN en dichas células y 3) aumentó la actividad SOD en los complejos ovocitos-cúmulus. Además, 4) el agregado de Mn incrementó la tasa de blastocistos y 5) mejoró la calidad de los embriones. La tasa de blastocistos aumentó independientemente de la presencia de CC durante la MIV. En consecuencia, todas las evidencias obtenidas sugieren que el Mn actuaría como un factor importante durante la maduración del ovocito bovino favoreciendo el desarrollo embrionario temprano. Esta evidencias sugieren además, la posible existencia de transportadores de Mn en el ovocito., This study evaluated the effect of manganese (Mn) during bovine oocyte maturation and preimplantational embryo development. For this purpose, we have established the following objectives: 1) Effect of different Mn concentrations on in vitro maturation (IVM) of bovine oocytes; 2) Effect of different Mn concentrations during IVM of bovine oocytes on subsequent embryo development to the blastocyst stage, and 3) Role of cumulus cells (CC) as metabolic bridge between the external medium and the oocyte. For this end, bovine in vitro embryo production (IVP) was used as experimental model. The IVP technique consists of three steps: IVM, in vitro fertilization and in vitro culture of embryos until blastocyst stage. The IVP was performed using bovine oocytes obtained from slaughterhouse ovaries. The results obtained here showed that: 1) The addition of Mn to IVM medium increased intracellular GSH-GSSG content in oocytes and CC; 2) The rates of apoptosis and DNA damage, in both oocytes and CC, were reduced when Mn was added to IVM medium; 3) SOD activity was higher in cumulus-oocyte complexes matured with the addition of Mn to IVM medium; 4) the addition of Mn in IVM medium improved the blastocyst rate and embryo quality; 5) the percentage of blastocysts was enhanced regardless of the presence of CC during IVM. Consequently, all evidences obtained suggest that Mn acts as an important 4 factor during bovine oocyte maturation promoting early embryo development. Besides, these evidences suggest that Mn transporters might exist in the oocytes., Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias

Ultrasound-guided transvaginal follicular aspiration combined with in vitro maturation/in vitro fertilization (IVM/IVF) and culture was used to obtain bovine preimplantation stage embryos. Evaluated were the effects of aspiration frequency on oocyte recovery and embryo development following IVM/IVF. In Experiment 1, transvaginal follicular aspiration was performed once (n=5) or twice (n=5) weekly in multiparous Angus cows with the aid of a transvaginal sector transducer (5-MHz). In Experiment 2, aspiration was performed on Angus cows once weekly (n=6), twice weekly (n=4), or twice weekly after treatment with FSH (15 mg; n=4). Follicles (2 mm) were punctured using a 55-cm needle (17g), and oocytes were aspirated through the needle and silastic tubing (2 m) by vacuum suction (75 mmHg). The oocytes were examined for morphology and were in vitro matured and fertilized. Following IVF, all ova were co-cultured in vitro for 7 d on Buffalo Rat liver cells. Oocyte recovery rates per aspïration session in Experiment 1 were not different between groups aspirated once or twice weekly (6.8+/-2.0 vs 6.3+/-1.1 oocytes/session; x+/-SEM) or in Experiment 2 between groups aspirated once, twice, or twice plus FSH treatment (7.7+/-1.8 vs 9.5+/-1.1 vs 6.2+/-1.1; P0.10). In vitro development to the blastocyst stage was not different between the once, twice or twice-weekly aspiration plus FSH treatments or control oocytes obtained from cows at slaughter (23.1 vs 26.1 vs 18.0 vs 27.9%; P0.10). Oocytes from the twice-weekly and twice-weekly plus FSH aspiration groups generated a higher percentage of Grade-1 quality embryos than the once-weekly group (P0.05). In commercial bovine oocyte aspiration, more transferable embryos can be generated from twice-weekly aspirations than from once-weekly aspiration.

The appropriate in vitro bovine oocyte maturation and ethanol activation conditions for preimplantation bovine embryo parthenogenetic development to the blastocyst stage were investigated. A 7% ethanol concentration significantly enhanced (P0.05) the proportion of activated, in vitro-matured bovine oocytes (7% ethanol, 83.4 +/- 3.2% versus 0% ethanol, 63.9 +/- 2.0%). The proportion of activated oocytes was significantly higher (P0.05) by treatment with 7% ethanol for a minimum of 2 minutes (2 minutes, 89.8 +/- 4.0% versus 0.5 minutes 63.4 +/- 4.9%). Oocyte maturation for periods ranging from 30, 34, 38 and 44 hours resulted in a significant increase (P0.05) in the proportion of activated oocytes, and in oocytes displaying 2 or 3 pronuclei versus oocytes matured for 26 hours. The proportion of cleaved, activated oocytes (2-cell stage), 4 -cell stage and parthenogenetic morula/blastocysts was significantly higher (P0.05) within the 34-hour oocyte maturation treatment group. Although the 44-hour oocyte maturation treatment group displayed the highest proportion of activated oocytes with 2 pronuclei, it did not display the highest cleavage frequency, possibly due to the effects of postovulatory aging. Several morphologically normal parthenogenetic bovine blastocysts developed from oocytes that were in vitro matured for 34 hours. The ability to produce such parthenogenetic embryos will eventually facilitate investigation into the role(s) of the maternal and paternal genomes during bovine early development.

This experiment attempted to determine the effect of cAMP on maturation of bovine oocytes in chemically-defined, serum-free medium. Cumulus-oocyte complexes were incubated in modified DME/Ham F-12 medium containing dbcAMP at 0 (control), 10(-6), 10(-4) and 10(-2) M. After 18 and 24 hours of culture, the percentage of oocyte maturation between 0 (control) and 10(-2) M dbcAMP-treated groups were significant. Some oocytes were cultured with dbcAMP (10(-2) M) for 6, 12 and 24 hours followed by incubation in control medium to test the reversibility of inhibition or of any harmful effect of dbcAMP. The inhibitory effect of 10(-2) M dbcAMP on bovine oocyte maturation was reversed by transferring cumulus-oocyte complexes to the control medium. In addition, forskolin (0.12 and 0.24 mM) was effective (P0.01) in preventing the resumption of meiosis. The cAMP content of oocytes cultured with forskolin was not increased, although cumulus cells responded to forskolin with an increase in cAMP content. These results indicate that elevated levels of cAMP in the culture medium are important in regulating resumption of meiosis of bovine oocytes in vitro.

The nuclear stage at which oocytes are cryopreserved influences further development ability and cryopreservation affects ultrastructure of both cumulus cells and the oocyte. In this work, we analyze the effects of vitrification at different nuclear and cytoplasmic maturation stages on the oocyte ultrastructure and developmental ability. Culture in TCM199 + PVA with roscovitine 25 M during 24 h led to meiotic arrest (MA) in cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs), while permissive in vitro maturation (IVM) was performed in TCM199, 10% FCS, FSH-LH and 17β-estradiol for 24 h. Oocytes were vitrified using the open pulled straw method (OPS) with minor modifications. Fresh and vitrified/warmed COCs were fixed as immature, after IVM, after meiotic arrest (MA) and after MA + IVM. Vitrification combined with MA followed by IVM produced the highest rates of degeneration, regardless of the vitrification time. As a consequence, lower proportions of embryos cleaved in these groups, although differences were eliminated at the five–eight cell stage. Development rates up to day 8 were similar in all experimental groups, being significantly lower than those in fresh controls. Only oocytes vitrified after IVM were able to give blastociysts. The morphological alterations observed can be responsible for compromised development. More research is needed to explain the low survival rates of the bovine oocyte after vitrification and warming.

The present experiment was to investigate the effect of gonadotropins (LH and hCG), steroids (estradiol and progesterone) and culture media (TCM 199, Ham-F-12, BMOC-3 and modified KRB) on in vitro maturation of cumulus-enclosed bovine oocytes. Oocytes isolated from follicles of/=5 mm in diameter were cultured for 27 to 30 hours. Dosages of gonadotropins were 10 mug/ml and 2 i.u./ml for LH and hCG, respectively, and that of steroids was 1 mug/ml for both estradiol and progesterone. The study showed that the proportion of matured (metaphase II and a polar body formation) oocytes was significantly affected by the presence or absence of steroids (P0.01), but not by the gonadotropins and the media. Estradiol, but not progesterone, significantly increased the rate of oocyte maturation when compared with that of no steroid treatment (47.8%, 61.7% and 55.2% for none, estradiol and progesterone, respectively). These results indicate that steroids, especially estradiol, were the most important factor for bovine oocyte maturation rather than gonadotropins and culture media, and that the effect of the hormones differed in the media tested.