17Beta-estradiol and progesterone improve in-vitro cytoplasmic maturation of oocytes from unstimulated prepubertal and adult rhesus monkeys.
BACKGROUND
Effects of 17beta-estradiol and progesterone on rhesus monkey oocyte maturation in vitro were evaluated by embryo development subsequent to IVF.


RESULTS
In experiment 1, immature cumulus-oocyte complexes collected from unstimulated adult females during the non-breeding season were matured in modified medium CMRL-1066 containing various combinations of gonadotrophins (FSH + LH), estradiol and/or progesterone. Formation of morulae and blastocysts was greatest in oocytes matured in medium containing estradiol and/or progesterone, with or without gonadotrophins (morula 38-46%, blastocyst 14-20%) than in control oocytes matured without estradiol or progesterone (morula 14%, blastocyst 0%). In experiment 2, cumulus-oocyte complexes from unstimulated prepubertal female monkeys were matured in medium with gonadotrophins, estradiol or progesterone. The best development to the morula stage was obtained with oocytes matured with gonadotrophins and estradiol or gonadotrophins and progesterone (43 and 25 morulae, respectively), while control oocytes matured with gonadotrophins but without steroid hormones gave the poorest morula developmental response (12%). However, there was no difference in blastocyst development across all groups (0-3%).


CONCLUSIONS
These results demonstrate that during rhesus monkey oocyte maturation in vitro: (i) estradiol or progesterone can improve oocyte developmental competence; (ii) immature oocytes from prepubertal versus adult females have differential responses to challenge with estradiol or progesterone.
D000375:Aging / Q000502:physiology*; D000818:Animals; D016922:Cellular Senescence / Q000187:drug effects; D046508:Culture Techniques; D003593:Cytoplasm / Q000502:physiology*; D004338:Drug Combinations; D005314:Embryonic and Fetal Development; D004958:Estradiol / Q000494:pharmacology*; D005260:Female; D005307:Fertilization in Vitro; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone / Q000494:pharmacology; D007986:Luteinizing Hormone / Q000494:pharmacology; D008253:Macaca mulatta; D009028:Morula / Q000502:physiology; D009865:Oocytes / Q000502:physiology*; D011374:Progesterone / Q000494:pharmacology*
D004338:Drug Combinations; D011374:Progesterone; D004958:Estradiol; D007986:Luteinizing Hormone; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone