Adenosine triphosphate synthesis, mitochondrial number and activity, and pyruvate uptake in oocytes after gonadotropin injections.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the effects of gonadotropin injection on the energy generation of mature oocytes.


METHODS
Randomized prospective study.


METHODS
Gamete and stem cell biotechnology laboratory at Seoul National University in Korea.


METHODS
Twelve- to 15-week-old golden hamsters (Mesocricetus auratus).


METHODS
Injections of pregnant mare serum gonadotropin (PMSG; 5 or 15 IU), of hCG (5 or 15 IU), or of PMSG and hCG (15 IU of each; PMSG + hCG group) were administered to female hamsters.


METHODS
Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) synthesis, mitochondrial population number and activity, and pyruvate uptake were measured.


RESULTS
Significant (P<.05) differences were found in the ATP levels; compared with the control (no injection), a dramatic increase was detected after injections of 15 IU of hCG or of 15 IU of PMSG and 15 IU of hCG. In the same treatments, the mitochondrial population (mitochondrial DNA copy number) significantly increased, whereas mitochondrial activity measured by the ratio of activated to less-activated mitochondria did not change. A significant increase in pyruvate uptake was detected after the injections of 15 IU of PMSG and 15 IU of hCG.


CONCLUSIONS
The change in ATP synthesis activity was a major cause for the adverse effect of gonadotropins on oocyte development in the hamster. The injections of 15 IU of hCG, or of 15 IU of PMSG and 15 IU of hCG, dramatically increased the ATP level, the mitochondrial population number, and pyruvate uptake.
Lee
Seung Tae
ST
Department of Food and Animal Biotechnology, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea.
Oh
Seo Jin
SJ
Lee
Eun Ju
EJ
Han
Ho Jae
HJ
Lim
Jeong Mook
JM
D000255:Adenosine Triphosphate / Q000096:biosynthesis* / Q000378:metabolism; D000818:Animals; D006063:Chorionic Gonadotropin / Q000494:pharmacology; D006224:Cricetinae; D004338:Drug Combinations; D004734:Energy Metabolism / Q000187:drug effects*; D005260:Female; D006062:Gonadotropins / Q000494:pharmacology*; D006064:Gonadotropins, Equine / Q000494:pharmacology; D008297:Male; D008647:Mesocricetus; D008928:Mitochondria / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology* / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D009865:Oocytes / Q000378:metabolism*; D019289:Pyruvic Acid / Q000493:pharmacokinetics*
D006063:Chorionic Gonadotropin; D004338:Drug Combinations; D006062:Gonadotropins; D006064:Gonadotropins, Equine; D019289:Pyruvic Acid; D000255:Adenosine Triphosphate