title: Enhanced viability after in vitro fertilization of bovine oocytes matured in vitro with high concentrations of luteinizing hormone.
abstract: The purpose of this study was to better understand requirements for oocyte maturation to yield viable embryos after bovine in vitro fertilization (IVF). High proportions (95% to 100%) of cumulus-surrounded oocytes matured in vitro in all treatments, but subsequent development was enhanced after maturation with high concentrations of purified bovine luteinizing hormone (LH). Beneficial effects of undisturbed cumulus cells were demonstrated. Improved IVF followed insemination of cumulus-surrounded oocytes, but not denuded oocytes, after maturation with high LH (100 micrograms/ml) versus low LH (10 micrograms/ml), implicating cumulus cells in mediating hormonal enhancement. Oocytes matured with high LH resulted in embryos of superior viability, as reflected by cleavage to 4- to 8-cell stages. Pregnancy resulting from transcervical embryo transfer further documented embryonic viability. These findings should be useful in further development and implementation of reproductive and genetic technologies.
authors.affiliation: Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Georgia, College of Veterinary Medicine, Athens 30602.
authors.forename: B G
authors.initials: BG
authors.lastname: Brackett
authors.forename: A I
authors.initials: AI
authors.lastname: Younis
authors.forename: R A
authors.initials: RA
authors.lastname: Fayrer-Hosken
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002417:Cattle; D002470:Cell Survival / Q000187:drug effects; D002970:Cleavage Stage, Ovum; D005260:Female; D005307:Fertilization in Vitro; D007986:Luteinizing Hormone / Q000494:pharmacology*; D009865:Oocytes / Q000502:physiology*; D009994:Osmolar Concentration
chemical_list: D007986:Luteinizing Hormone