Correlation of somatic cell steroid secretion and quality of generated oocytes after in-vitro stimulation of mouse follicles.
OBJECTIVE
To test the possibility of follicular somatic cell steroidogenesis as a marker for quality of their embraced oocytes.


METHODS
Mechanically isolated mouse preantral follicles were cultured and matured in-vitro (IVC/IVM) for study.


RESULTS
During IVC/IVM, oogenesis occurred concomitantly with folliculogenesis in a coordinated manner and simultaneously with progressive increments of somatic cell steroidogenesis. Follicular E(2) production of matured oocytes were significantly higher than that of immature ones. The majority of MII oocytes (32/36) and all developed blastocysts(12/12) were associated with active E(2) production prior to ovulation. In this study, 18 MII oocytes met both requirements for active and optimal E(2) production. 13 of them were fertilized and 10 developed into blastocysts.


CONCLUSIONS
Active somatic cell steroidogenesis prior to ovulation and an optimal steroid milieu at ovulation are prerequisites for generation of competent oocytes after follicular maturation in-vitro.
Liu
Hung-Ching
HC
Institute for Reproductive Medicine, The Center for Reproductive Medicine and Infertility, Weill Medical College of Cornell University, 515 East 71st Street, S500,, New York, 10021, USA. hcliu@mail.med.cornell.edu
He
Zhiying
Z
Rosenwaks
Zev
Z
D000818:Animals; D001755:Blastocyst / Q000502:physiology; D046149:Embryo Culture Techniques; D004958:Estradiol / Q000378:metabolism*; D005260:Female; D005544:Forecasting; D051379:Mice; D009865:Oocytes / Q000502:physiology*; D006080:Ovarian Follicle / Q000254:growth & development / Q000378:metabolism*; D010062:Ovulation Induction; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D004958:Estradiol