Experimental study on meiotic spindles and chromosomes of mouse mature (M II) stage oocytes under laser scanning confocal microscopy.

Taking the mouse as a model, the experimental method of observing the morphology of meiotic spindles and chromosomes in mature oocytes were investigated in order to evaluate the effects of various interventions on the quality of oocytes accurately and rapidly. Laser scanning confocal microscope (LSCM) was used to examine the meiotic spindles and chromosomes by the technologies of optical section and three-dimensional (3D) image reconstruction. The results showed that the configurations of meiotic spindles and chromosomes could be observed clearly by LSCM. The normal rate of meiotic spindles and chromosomes was 82% and 86% respectively. It was concluded that the LSCM was a valid instrument to observe the meiotic spindles and chromosomes of mature oocytes and could be used as a valid method to evaluate the quality of M II oocytes.