Mitochondrial distribution and activity in human mature oocytes: gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist versus antagonist for pituitary down-regulation.
OBJECTIVE
To analyze the effects of GnRH agonists versus antagonists on mitochondrial distribution and activity in human mature oocytes.


METHODS
Randomized research experimental study.


METHODS
Academic basic research laboratory and hospital-based fertility center.


METHODS
Two hundred twenty-five supernumerary mature oocytes from 44 patients.


METHODS
Fluorescent staining and confocal laser scanning microscopy on oocytes after the use of either GnRH agonist (group A) or GnRH antagonist (group B).


METHODS
Oocyte mitochondrial distribution pattern and activity using MitoTracker Orange CMTM Ros.


RESULTS
More oocytes showing polarized mitochondrial distribution pattern were found in group A than in group B (35% vs. 14%). In group B, hCG rather than GnRH agonist, for ovulation induction, resulted in more oocytes showing heterogeneous (57% vs. 14%), in particular polarized (24% vs. 0) mitochondrial distribution. In groups A and B, fluorescence intensity did not vary according to mitochondrial distribution pattern. However, fluorescence intensity was higher in oocytes with polarized and large granules configurations in group B compared to group A.


CONCLUSIONS
The GnRH agonist and antagonist may have different effects on oocyte mitochondrial distribution pattern and activity. The GnRH antagonist may induce mitochondrial hyperactivity, which may be detrimental to the oocyte.
Dell'Aquila
Maria Elena
ME
Department of Animal Production, University of Bari, Bari, Italy. e.dellaquila@veterinaria.uniba.it
Ambruosi
Barbara
B
De Santis
Teresa
T
Cho
Yoon Sung
YS
D002467:Cell Nucleus / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D006063:Chorionic Gonadotropin / Q000494:pharmacology; D002843:Chromatin / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D005260:Female; D005298:Fertility / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D007987:Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone / Q000819:agonists* / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors*; D006801:Humans; D008186:Luteolytic Agents / Q000494:pharmacology; D008928:Mitochondria / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*; D009865:Oocytes / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*; D010062:Ovulation Induction; D020554:Sperm Injections, Intracytoplasmic; D017329:Triptorelin Pamoate / Q000494:pharmacology
D006063:Chorionic Gonadotropin; D002843:Chromatin; D008186:Luteolytic Agents; D017329:Triptorelin Pamoate; D007987:Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone