Role of Cumulus Cells and Serum on the In Vitro Maturation, Fertilization, and Subsequent Development of Rat Oocytes1

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Immature oocytes were collected from immature female rats (60-65 g) 40 h after injection with 6 IU pregnant mare's serum gonadotropin (PMSG). Oocytes were matured cumulus-intact (CI) or cumulus-free (CF) in medium supplemented with 0.5% bovine serum albumin (BSA) or 5-20% serum for periods of up to 24 h. After assessment for nuclear maturation, the oocytes were exposed to epididymal sperm for fertilization in vitro. In vitro-matured and ovulated oocytes undergoing fertilization were transferred to unilaterally pregnant recipients for embryonic and fetal development. The presence of cumulus cells and serum shortened (by 2 h) the time required for polar body emission by in vitro-matured oocytes and also helped to increase significantly the penetrability of the oocytes by spermatozoa. A high proportion (45.6%) of fertilized oocytes showed evidence of abnormal fertilization following maturation in the absence of cumulus cells. Oocytes matured CI before fertilization were able to develop to viable fetuses (57.8%) in proportions similar to ovulated oocytes (55.0%) after in vitro fertilization. These findings indicate an essential role for cumulus cells in promoting normal cytoplasmic maturation of oocytes necessary for pronuclear formation and subsequent developmental capability.