title: In vitro maturation of buffalo oocytes: role of insulin and its interaction with gonadotrophins.
abstract: A variety of signals is involved in the acquisition of competence to resume meiosis in buffalo oocytes. There is evidence that gonadotrophins are required for the resumption of meiosis and to achieve developmental competence. However, the source of the serum supplement also influences maturation of buffalo oocytes. Fetal calf serum was more effective at achieving maturational competence compared with oestrous serum. All the changes were found to be supported and strictly regulated by the somatic cells of the follicle. Further studies revealed that a variety of ovarian autocrine and paracrine factors may modulate the maturation of buffalo oocytes. The role of growth factors, particularly insulin, in in vitro maturation and granulosa cell differentiation is discussed.
authors.affiliation: Embryo Biotechnology Laboratory, National Institute of Immunology, New Delhi, India.
authors.forename: S M
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Totey
authors.forename: C H
authors.initials: CH
authors.lastname: Pawshe
authors.forename: K B
authors.initials: KB
authors.lastname: Appa Rao
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002020:Buffaloes / Q000502:physiology*; D002454:Cell Differentiation / Q000502:physiology; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D005260:Female; D006065:Gonadotropins, Pituitary / Q000502:physiology*; D007328:Insulin / Q000502:physiology*; D009865:Oocytes / Q000502:physiology; D009866:Oogenesis / Q000502:physiology*
chemical_list: D006065:Gonadotropins, Pituitary; D007328:Insulin