In vitro maturation of baboon oocytes retrieved at the time of cesarean section.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the feasibility of oocyte retrieval at the time of cesarean delivery and the potential of such oocytes to undergo nuclear maturation in vitro using a baboon model and an established culture system.


METHODS
Randomized, controlled animal study.


METHODS
Research foundation and university research laboratory.


METHODS
Mature pregnant baboons.


METHODS
In vitro culture of aspirated oocytes with or without epidermal growth factor (EGF).


METHODS
Oocyte yield, germinal vesicle breakdown, polar body extrusion.


RESULTS
A total of 246 oocytes were retrieved (mean, 35; range, 14-67). Eighty-seven oocytes (35%) underwent germinal vesicle breakdown and 72 oocytes (29%) extruded a polar body. A chi2 analysis revealed no significant effect of EGF on outcome parameters. No effect of gestational age or maternal age on oocyte yield or development was observed.


CONCLUSIONS
A sizeable proportion of oocytes obtained from puerperal primates exhibited the capacity to undergo nuclear maturation in vitro.
Brzyski
R G
RG
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, 78284-7836, USA. brzyski@uthscsa.edu
Leland
M M
MM
Eddy
C A
CA
D000375:Aging; D000818:Animals; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D002585:Cesarean Section; D003470:Culture Media; D004815:Epidermal Growth Factor / Q000494:pharmacology; D005260:Female; D005865:Gestational Age; D008954:Models, Biological; D009865:Oocytes / Q000166:cytology* / Q000254:growth & development*; D010215:Papio; D011247:Pregnancy; D013048:Specimen Handling / Q000379:methods*
D003470:Culture Media; D004815:Epidermal Growth Factor