Attempted in vitro maturation and fertilization of postmortem Sumatran rhinoceros (Dicerorhinus sumatrensis) oocytes.
A study was conducted opportunistically to evaluate the potential of rescuing immature oocytes from the ovaries of the Sumatran rhinoceros postmortem. Recovered oocytes (n = 30) were placed in maturation culture for 36 hr and inseminated with frozen-thawed homologous spermatozoa. After culture, evaluation of nuclear maturation status revealed that a large number of oocytes were degenerated (n = 21), but nine oocytes were assessed at the germinal vesicle (n = 3), metaphase I (n = 3), and metaphase II (n = 3) stages. Frozen-thawed Sumatran rhinoceros spermatozoa were capable of binding to the zona pellucida of in vitro matured oocytes, but no fertilization or cleavage resulted. In conclusion, relatively large numbers of oocytes can be obtained by ovarian follicular aspiration postmortem in the Sumatran rhinoceros, and some of these oocytes are capable of achieving nuclear maturation in vitro. However, additional studies are required to improve maturation success and achieve fertilization in culture.
Center for Conservation and Research of Endangered Wildlife, Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, 3400 Vine Street, Cincinnati, Ohio 45220, USA. monica.stoops@cincinnatizoo.org
Monica A
MA
Stoops
Helen L
HL
Bateman
Mark K
MK
Campbell
Terri L
TL
Roth
D000818:Animals; D018929:Cell Culture Techniques / Q000662:veterinary; D056727:Endangered Species; D005260:Female; D005307:Fertilization in Vitro / Q000662:veterinary*; D009865:Oocytes / Q000166:cytology* / Q000502:physiology*; D010527:Perissodactyla