Hung-Ching Liu1, Zhiying He, Zev Rosenwaks. 1. Institute for Reproductive Medicine, The Center for Reproductive Medicine and Infertility, Weill Medical College of Cornell University, 515 East 71st Street, S500,, New York, 10021, USA. hcliu@mail.med.cornell.edu
Abstract
PURPOSE: To test the possibility of follicular somatic cell steroidogenesis as a marker for quality of their embraced oocytes. METHODS: Mechanically isolated mouse preantral follicles were cultured and matured in-vitro (IVC/IVM) for study. RESULTS: During IVC/IVM, oogenesis occurred concomitantly with folliculogenesis in a coordinated manner and simultaneously with progressive increments of somatic cell steroidogenesis. Follicular E(2) production of matured oocytes were significantly higher than that of immature ones. The majority of MII oocytes (32/36) and all developed blastocysts(12/12) were associated with active E(2) production prior to ovulation. In this study, 18 MII oocytes met both requirements for active and optimal E(2) production. 13 of them were fertilized and 10 developed into blastocysts. CONCLUSION: Active somatic cell steroidogenesis prior to ovulation and an optimal steroid milieu at ovulation are prerequisites for generation of competent oocytes after follicular maturation in-vitro.
PURPOSE: To test the possibility of follicular somatic cell steroidogenesis as a marker for quality of their embraced oocytes. METHODS: Mechanically isolated mouse preantral follicles were cultured and matured in-vitro (IVC/IVM) for study. RESULTS: During IVC/IVM, oogenesis occurred concomitantly with folliculogenesis in a coordinated manner and simultaneously with progressive increments of somatic cell steroidogenesis. Follicular E(2) production of matured oocytes were significantly higher than that of immature ones. The majority of MII oocytes (32/36) and all developed blastocysts(12/12) were associated with active E(2) production prior to ovulation. In this study, 18 MII oocytes met both requirements for active and optimal E(2) production. 13 of them were fertilized and 10 developed into blastocysts. CONCLUSION: Active somatic cell steroidogenesis prior to ovulation and an optimal steroid milieu at ovulation are prerequisites for generation of competent oocytes after follicular maturation in-vitro.