Effect of Preserving Condition of Porcine Ovaries on the Development of In Vitro Matured Oocytes

Abstract

The effect of preservation condition of ovaries on the in vitro maturation of the porcine oocytes was studied. Cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) were obtained from the ovaries preserved in Dulbecco's phosphate buffered saline (PBS) solution at various temperatures for different time intervals, and cultured in M199 maturation medium. Matured oocytes were obtained from the ovaries preserved in PBS for 8 h and electrically activated. The activated oocytes were then cultured in NCSU23 embryo culture medium for 16 h to observe activation or 144 h to observe embryo development. It was found that the preservation temperature affected the maturation of porcine oocytes greatly. The effect was described as a compromise of the suppressions of autolysis at physiological temperature and frostbite because of low temperature. A preservation temperature of approximately 25°C showed the maximum maturation rate for a preservation time of 8 h. Preservation temperature also affected the activation and embryo development of porcine oocytes greatly, following a trend similar to the effect of preservation temperature on the maturation. Based on maturation rate, activation rate and cleavage rate, a preservation temperature of approximately 25°C would be optimum for a preservation time of 8 h.

The Conditions of Ovary Storage Affect the Quality of Porcine Oocytes

“…However, in bovines, oocytes obtained from ovaries preserved at 37˚C for 8 h or at 4˚C for 12 or 24 h show significantly lower cleavage and blastocyst formation rates after in vitro culture [4] [5]. In cats, the storage of ovaries at 4˚C for 2 and 24 h does not affect oocyte meiotic competence in vitro, but results dramatically decrease with 48 h storage [6], while in pigs the decrease can be detected in oocyte in vitro maturation and embryo development after in vitro fertilization or electric activation at storage temperatures below 15˚C or for periods longer than 6 h [7] [8]. However, the studies cited above do not clarify the mechanisms involved in the oocyte damage induced by these storage conditions.…”

Apoptosis in porcine cumulus‐oocyte complexes: Relationship with their morphology and the developmental competence

“…The quality of cumulus‐oocyte complexes (COCs) is influenced by multiple intrinsic and extrinsic factors (N. Z. Dadashpour Davachi, 2012). The most important intrinsic factors are the species, the breed, the age, the moment of the estrous cycle, the nutritional status, the hormonal pattern, and the follicle size (Anguita, Vandaele, Mateusen, Maes, & Van Soom, 2006; N. Z. Dadashpour Davachi, 2012) whereas the main extrinsic factors include the time between slaughter and the extraction of COCs, the storage temperature of ovaries (Wongrikeo et al, 2005; Yuge, Otoi, Murakami, & Karja, 2003), the COC collection methods, the collection media and the ability of the operator (N. K. Dadashpour Davachi, 2011; N. Z. Dadashpour Davachi, 2012; Lin, Tsai, Liao, & Chen, 2011). Both types of factors are difficult to handle, especially intrinsic ones, considering that the main source of COCs is slaughterhouse ovaries.…”

“…whereas the main extrinsic factors include the time between slaughter and the extraction of COCs, the storage temperature of ovaries (Wongrikeo et al, 2005;Yuge, Otoi, Murakami, & Karja, 2003), the COC collection methods, the collection media and the ability of the operator (N. K. Dadashpour Davachi, 2011;N. Z. Dadashpour Davachi, 2012;Lin, Tsai, Liao, & Chen, 2011). Both types of factors are difficult to handle, especially intrinsic ones, considering that the main source of COCs is slaughterhouse ovaries.…”