title: In vitro follicle growth under non-attachment conditions and decreased FSH levels reduces Lhcgr expression in cumulus cells and promotes oocyte developmental competence.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The in-vitro environment influences oocyte competence and gene expression in cumulus cells and oocytes. Effects of culturing under non-attachment conditions and varying follicle exposure to FSH were investigated at the mRNA level and on oocyte developmental capacity.
  
  
  METHODS
  Quantitative PCR analysis of Gdf9, Mater, Nmp2 (in oocytes), Lhcgr and Amh (in cumulus cells), and oocyte developmental competence after in vitro follicle culture were evaluated.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Follicle survival (98.7%) and polar body rate (94%) were similar for all conditions. Estradiol and progesterone production were significantly lower in non-attachment follicles (10-fold and 3-fold, respectively). Under non-attachment conditions, a higher two-cell rate (69.9%) and total blastocyst yield (48.5%) were obtained and, by decreasing FSH levels during culture, Lhcgr transcripts were significantly reduced to levels similar to in-vivo. Levels of oocyte-specific transcripts were not significantly influenced by in-vitro conditions.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Non-attachment conditions influence follicle steroid secretory capacity and, together with dynamic FSH doses, positively influence cumulus cell gene expression and oocyte developmental competence.
authors.affiliation: Follicle Biology Laboratory (FOBI), Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan, Brussels, Belgium. fsanchez@vub.ac.be
authors.forename: Flor
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Sánchez
authors.forename: Sergio
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Romero
authors.forename: Firas K
authors.initials: FK
authors.lastname: Albuz
authors.forename: Johan
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Smitz
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D018929:Cell Culture Techniques; D054885:Cumulus Cells / Q000166:cytology / Q000378:metabolism; D005260:Female; D005307:Fertilization in Vitro; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone / Q000494:pharmacology*; D018507:Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental / Q000187:drug effects*; D051379:Mice; D008810:Mice, Inbred C57BL; D009865:Oocytes / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000254:growth & development; D006080:Ovarian Follicle / Q000254:growth & development* / Q000378:metabolism; D011974:Receptors, LH / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D011974:Receptors, LH; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone