Manipulation of oocyte maturation in vitro
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abstract
The growing follicle holds the oocyte in meiotic arrest. In the mouse, follicular fluid appears to act through modulation of cAMP levels within the oocyte to suppress maturation, but in cattle and horses, the mechanism for meiotic arrest is still unclear. Maintenance of meiotic arrest in bovine and equine oocytes by follicular components in vitro requires exposure to granulosa cells. Further work is needed to isolate and characterize the active factor produced by granulosa cells, and its mechanism of action. Resumption of meiosis in bovine and equine oocytes requires synthesis of new proteins, and in equine oocytes, the period of protein synthesis required varies according to the follicular origin of the oocyte (atretic vs. viable).
