• Reproductive and Developmental Biology
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• v.33 no.2
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• pp.85-91
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• 2009

In this study, in vitro maturation system using fetal bovine serum (FBS) or porcine follicular fluid (pFF) was investigated to produce comparable oocytes to those derived from in vivo. Control group of oocytes was cultured in TCM 199 supplemented with 0.1% polyvinyl alcohol (PVA). Other three groups of oocytes were cultured in TCM 199 supplemented with 10% FBS, 10% pFF or 5% FBS + 5% pFF, respectively. After 44 h maturation, oocytes with the first polar body were activated with two electric pulses (DC) of 1.2 kv/cm for 30 ${\mu}sec$. Also, matured oocytes of four groups were reconstructed and fused. Reconstructed embryos were cultured in PZM-3 under 5% $CO_2$ in air at $38.5^{\circ}C$ for 6 days. The oocytes matured in the medium supplemented with FBS or/and pFF showed significantly higher maturation rates (64.0 vs. 73.9 to 85.2%). In PA embryos, cleavage rates (89.7 vs. 77.1 to 86.6%) and blastocysts rates (30.0 vs. 16.2 to 26.2%) were significantly higher in pFF group (p<0.05). In NT embryos, there was no difference among treatments in cleavage rate, but the blastocyst rates (28.5 vs. 15.5 to 24.6%) were significantly higher in pFF group (p<0.05). The apoptosis rate was significantly higher (p<0.05) in the control than other groups (10.8 vs. 4.9 to 8.2% for PA, 3.1 vs. 0.5 to 1.3% for NT). In order to select the comparable oocyte to in vivo oocytes, each group of oocytes was stained with Brilliant cresyl blue (BCB) after 42h maturation. The matured oocytes were separated according to color of cytoplasm; stained group (BCB+) and unstained group (BCB-). The oocytes matured in the presence of FBS or/and pFF showed significantly higher staining rates (70.3 to 72.7 vs. 35.1%) (p<0.05). To verify the fact that the supplementation of FBS or/and pFF can increase the maturation rates, cdc2 kinase activity, the catalytic subunit of MPF, was determined. The cdc2 kinase activity of the oocytes matured in the medium supplemented with FBS or/and pFF was significantly higher than control group (6.7 to 9.3 vs. 3.8). In conclusion, the supplementation of FBS or/and pFF can support in vitro maturation rate of porcine oocytes through the increment of cdc2 kinase activity level in the cytoplasm.

• Journal of Embryo Transfer
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• v.33 no.1
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• pp.1-11
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• 2018

Cellular cyclic adenosine-3' 5'-monophosphate (cAMP) modulator is known as meiotic inhibitor and can delays spontaneous maturation in IVM experiment. Among many cAMP modulators, the role of Pituitary adenylate cyclase activating polypeptide (PACAP) on IVM isn't known. The purpose of this study is to improve the maturation of oocytes derived from follicles ${\leq}3mm$ in diameter through PACAP as meiotic inhibitor during pre-in vitro maturation (pre-IVM). First, we checked PACAP and its receptors in cumulus cells and, to establish the optimal phase and concentration of PACAP for pre-IVM, we conducted chromatin configuration assessments. As a result, the rate of GV (Germinal Vesicle) according to duration of pre-IVM was significantly decreased 12 h and 18 h after IVM (87.1 and 84.1%, respectively) compared to 0 h (99.4%). When COC was cultured for 18 h, the GV rate in the $1{\mu}M$ of PACAP treatment group (82.1%) was significantly higher than any other PACAP treatment groups (60.5, 64.1, 74.4 and 69.9 %, respectively). So, we divided into four groups as follows; MF (the conventional IVM group, obtained from follicle from 3 to 6 mm in diameter), SF (the conventional IVM group, obtained from follicle ${\leq}3mm$ in diameter), Pre-SF(-)PACAP (IVM group including 18 h pre-IVM without $1{\mu}M$ of PACAP, obtained from follicle ${\leq}3mm$ in diameter) and Pre-SF(+)PACAP (IVM group including 18 h pre-IVM with $1{\mu}M$ of PACAP, obtained from follicle ${\leq}3mm$ in diameter). To examine the effect of PACAP during pre-IVM, we investigated analysis of nuclear maturation, intracellular glutathione (GSH) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels. In cumulus cells, PACAP receptors, ADCYAP1R1 and VIPR1 were detected but were not detected in oocytes. After IVM, the Pre-SF(+)PACAP had the highest Metaphase II rate (91.7%) among all groups (P<0.05). The GSH levels in the MF and Pre-SF(+)PACAP were significantly higher than in the other groups (P<0.05) and ROS levels was no significant difference among all groups. In conclusion, these results indicated that even though the oocytes were derived from SF, pre-IVM application of PACAP improved meiotic and cytoplasmic maturation by regulating intracellular oxidative stress.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• v.18 no.1
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• pp.55-61
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• 1991

In order to increase the pregnancy rate by means of cryopreservation of the excess oocytes in IVF-ET program, the survival rate of the frozen-thawed oocytes of mouse was examined according to the stages of maturation, cryoprotectants and their treatment. The results were summarized as follows. First, during the continuous treatment with cryoprotectant media, the survival rate of oocytes was higher in DMSO than in PROH, and higher at low temperature($4^{\circ}C$) than at room temperature($25^{\circ}C$). Second, as regard with the maturation of immature(GV-intact) oocytes after treatment with cryoprotectant media, the rate of maturation in DMSO-treated group(52%) was higher than in PROH-treated group(35%). Third, according to the treatment of cryoprotectant media, the survival rate of frozen-thawed oocytes in DMSO-treated group (45%) was higher than in PROH-treated group(29%), and that of oocytes in DMSO 4-step treated group was higher than any other groups. Finally, in the post-thaw oocytes frozen at various stage of maturation, the survival rate of immature oocytes with GV was the highest in all groups. These results suggest that in the cryopreservation of mouse oocytes, DMSO was better than PROH as cryoprotectant, in treatment of cryprotectant the multi-step treatment was better than single-step, and the post-thaw survival rate of oocytes was closely related to the maturity of oocytes. It is assumed that the highest survival rate of mouse oocytes with GV is due to the stability of the structures in nucleus and intracelluar organelles, and of physiological function.

• Journal of Embryo Transfer
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• v.22 no.4
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• pp.213-218
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• 2007

This study was performed to investigate the effect of VEGF on in vitro maturation of porcine oocytes. The base medium for IVM, TCM-199 was supplemented with 0.6 mM cysteine, 0.91 mM pyruvate, 10 ng/ml epidermal growth factor, $75{\mu}g/ml$ kenamycin, $1{\mu}g/ml$ insulin and 10% (V/V) porcine follicular fluid (pFF) as a Group A; Group B was consists of Group A plus 5 ng/ml VEGF; Group C was consists of replacement of pFF by 10% PVA and Group D: was consists of Group C plus 5 ng/ml VEGF. 1. The maturation rate was significantly higher (p<0.05) in control and VEGF+pFF group than other two groups ($76.1{\pm}9.6,\;78.9{\pm}6.0\;vs\;60.4{\pm}14.2\;and\;58.3{\pm}14.3$, respectively). 2. Addition of VEGF without pFF showed a negative effect on oocytes maturation and about 58.26% oocytes were reached to M-II stage. 3. In the parthenogenetic development, the cleavage rate was significantly higher (p<0.05) in control and VEGF+pFF group ($73.2{\pm}1.8\;and\;64.6{\pm}1.1$, respectively) than other groups ($47.9{\pm}1.8\;and\;48.3{\pm}1.7$, respectively). 4. The blastocyst formation rate was significantly higher (p<0.05) in VEGF+pFF group ($32.6{\pm}2.4$) compared to control and other groups. 5. There was no significant difference in cell numbers (inner cell mass or trophectoderm) among these groups.

• Korean Journal of Animal Reproduction
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• v.21 no.2
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• pp.117-122
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• 1997

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of the follicular culture from which the oocytes originate on their subsequent in vitro maturation ability. Ovarian follicles were isolated and cultured according to size(1~2mm, 2~6mm and 6~8mm) for 42~44 h. The rates of germinal vesicle breakdown(GVBD) in each groups were 87%(65/75), 82%(80/97) and 89%(47/53), but the oocytes maturation were su, pp.essed at anaphase-I stage. In spite of the adding porcine follicular fluid and/or hormones in maturation medium, maturation ability of oocytes from follicle cultured for 21~22 h were inhibited. When oocytes from follicle cultured for 4 h at various temperature were incubated for 38~40 h, the rates of oocytes maturation from follicle cultured at 2$0^{\circ}C$(51%, 26/51) and 39$^{\circ}C$(54%, 26/48) were significant higher(P<0.05) than group cultured at 4$^{\circ}C$(33%, 19/58). On the other hand, the GVBD were stared 2 h after culture of follicle of oocytes. To summairze, oocytes maturation by follicular culture were inhibited at anaphase-I stage in porcine. When the follicle cultured for 4 h, maturation were completed to metaphase-II stage. However, rates of GVBD in oocytes from follicular culture were higher than oocytes cultured in medium.

• Korean Journal of Animal Reproduction
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• v.20 no.3
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• pp.289-297
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• 1996

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of maturaton medium and porcine follicular fluid on in vitro maturation of porcine follicular oocytes. The results obtained are as follows; 1. When the oocytes were cultured for 42 hours, the maturation rate was significantly (P<0.05) higher in TCM-HEPES(75.5%) than Ham's F-10(60.9%) and mKRB(60.7%) medium. The optimal medium for the maturation of porcine oocytes in vitro was the TCM-HEPES medium. 2. When the oocytes were cultured for 42 hours in TCM-HEPES medium with 10, 20 and 30% of porcine follicular fluid(pFF), the maturation rates of porcine oocytes were 69.1, 65.6 and 63.3%, respectively. The maturation rate(51.4%) of oocytes cultured without pFF was significantly(P<0.05) lower than that of oocytes cultured with pFF. 3. The maturation rates of porcine oocytes cultured for 42 hours in TCM-HEPEs medium with 3 different porcine follicular fluid treatments were 68.6%(centrifused), 72.3%(filtered) and 73.1%(heat treated), respectively. The maturation rate(49.4%) of control group without pFF treatment was significantly(P<0.05) lower than that of oocytes cultured with pFF treatment.

• Journal of Veterinary Science
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• v.24 no.2
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• pp.24.1-24.13
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• 2023

Background: Ergothioneine (EGT) is a natural amino acid derivative in various animal organs and is a bioactive compound recognized as a food and medicine. Objectives: This study examined the effects of EGT supplementation during the in vitro maturation (IVM) period on porcine oocyte maturation and subsequent embryonic development competence after in vitro fertilization (IVF). Methods: Each EGT concentration (0, 10, 50, and 100 μM) was supplemented in the maturation medium during IVM. After IVM, nuclear maturation, intracellular glutathione (GSH), and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels of oocytes were investigated. In addition, the genes related to cumulus function and antioxidant pathways in oocytes or cumulus cells were investigated. Finally, this study examined whether EGT could affect embryonic development after IVF. Results: After IVM, the EGT supplementation group showed significantly higher intracellular GSH levels and significantly lower intracellular ROS levels than the control group. Moreover, the expression levels of hyaluronan synthase 2 and Connexin 43 were significantly higher in the 10 μM EGT group than in the control group. The expression levels of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and NAD(P)H quinone dehydrogenase 1 (NQO1) were significantly higher in the oocytes of the 10 μM EGT group than in the control group. In the assessment of subsequent embryonic development after IVF, the 10 μM EGT treatment group improved the cleavage and blastocyst rate significantly than the control group. Conclusions: Supplementation of EGT improved oocyte maturation and embryonic development by reducing oxidative stress in IVM oocytes.

• Korean Journal of Animal Reproduction
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• v.16 no.1
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• pp.7-14
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• 1992

These experiments were designed to investigate the effects of glycosaminoglycans(GAGs), which maybe produced by cumulus cells, on in vitro maturation process of bovine follicular oocytes. The rates of in vitro maturation of bovine oocytes were examined after incubating with the various concentrations of a hyaluronic acid, chondroitin sulfate, or heparin for 26 hours. The results obatained in these experiments were summarized as follows : 1. When the cumulus or removed oocytes treated with hyaluronic acid(200, 400, 800 and 1, 600$\mu\textrm{g}$/ml), the maturation rates of cumulus-removed oocytes were 48.6, 59.4, 68.4 and 61.3% respectively. Especially, at a concentration of 800$\mu\textrm{g}$/ml, the maturation rates(68.8%) of cumulus-removed oocytes were slightly lower than that(78.3%) of cumulus-enclosed oocytes. However, the treatment of hyaluronic acid showed significantly higher maturation rates compared to that(48.4%) of control group of cumulus-removed oocytes(p<0.05). Therefore, these results suggest thate hyaluronic acid had a beneficial effect on maturation of bovine follicular oocytes. 2. The maturation rate of cumulus-free oocytes treated with chondroitin sulfate(200, 400, 800 and 1, 600$\mu\textrm{g}$/ml) was 52.3, 56.1, 55.9 and 52.2% respectively. These rates were not different from those(52.9%) of control group. However, these rates in cumulus-free oocytes were significantly lower than that(79.0%) in cumulus-enclosed oocytes(p<0.01). Therefore, these results suggest that chondroitin sulfate do not affect on the maturation of oocytes. 3. In cumulus-free oocytes cultured with different heparin concentration, the maturation rates were ranged from 48.5 to 52.1%, showing no differencies from that(50.7%) of control group. However, these rates were significantly lower than 80.0% in cumulus-enlosed oocytes(p<0.01). 4. The nuclear maturaton of oocytes was increased by treatment of each of three glycosaminoglycans(hyaluronic acid, chondroitin sulfate, and heparin). In addition, the treatment of mixed together showed the significant additive effect. Hyaluronic acid was more effective than chondroitin sulfate and heparin were.

• Reproductive and Developmental Biology
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• v.35 no.2
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• pp.131-136
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• 2011

The in vitro maturation rate of vitrified-thawed canine oocytes was $30.8{\pm}3.4%$. The in vitro maturation rate of vitrified oocytes was lower than that of the control ($52.0{\pm}2.5%$, p<0.05). The in vitro maturation rate of vitrified-thawed oocytes were significantly (p<0.05) lower than those of fresh oocytes. The in vitro maturation and developmental rates of the vitrified-thawed oocytes were $17.5{\pm}2.5%$ and $8.8{\pm}3.4%$, respectively. This results were lower than the control group ($43.6{\pm}3.2%$ vs $20.0{\pm}3.0%$). SOD1 gene expression of 1~2 mm of follicle size were higher than those of above 6 mm follicle size. SOD2 gene expression of 1~2 mm of follicle size were significantly higher than those of above 6 mm follicle size (p<0.01). The expression pattern of SOD1, 2 was constantly expressed in both groups but strongly expressed in follicles (1~2 mm) group when compared to the above 6 mm follicles. SOD gene expression between groups the fresh and vitrified oocytes groups were significant differences in rates. However, RGS gene expression between groups the fresh and vitrified oocytes groups were no significant differences in rates.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• v.23 no.3
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• pp.357-366
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• 1996

The present experiments aimed to investigate the metabolism of calcium during oocyte maturation in rat. The concentration of free calcium and calmodulin in oocytes was measured respectively by using of fluo-3/AM and FITC with microscope fluorescence spectrometer. The ultrastructural localization of calcium precipitates in oocytes was observed with the transmission electron microscope. Cumulus-free immature oocytes(GV-oocyte) were cultured in vitro through 15 hours. The free calcium concentration in GV oocyte was $55.9{\pm}3.5nM$. In calcium-containing medium, the free calcium concentration was increased in germinal vesicle breakdown(GVBD) oocyte($64.2{\pm}7.3nM$). In normal medium after calcium chelator treatment ($10{\mu}M$ BAPTA/AM), the free calcium contents were slightly lower than those in control group. In calcium-free medium, the free calcium content was drastically increased in GVBD($72.7{\pm}3.4nM$) and metaphase I - anaphase I ($88.0{\pm}3.4nM$) oocyte. In maturation rate of oocytes, GVBD rate was high in control group($82.9{\pm}6.55%$) and calcium chelator treatment group($91.2{\pm}4.4%$), but in calcium-free medium group, it was low and then the oocyte was degenerated without polar body formation. Relative content of calmodulin in oocyte was significantly(P<0.001) increased in metaphase I - anaphase I than in GV and GVBD oocyte. The calcium precipitates were observed in mitochondria and cytoplasm of GV oocyte but that were not observed in mitochondria of GVBD and metaphase I - anaphase I oocyte. And then the calcium precipitates reappeared in mitochondria of metaphase II oocyte. The above results indicate that changes in free calcium and calmodulin concentration of oocyte occur according to the maturational stages and the extracellular calcium is required during oocyte maturation. Also change of calcium localization in oocyte occurs according to the maturational stages.