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Reproductive aging is associated with decreased mitochondrial abundance and altered structure in murine oocytes

  • Gamete Biology
  • Published:
Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Purpose

To establish the phenotype of reproductive aging in our mouse model. To test the hypotheses that reproductive aging is associated with a decrease in mitochondrial abundance that could ultimately reflect dysfunction in oocytes.

Methods

Breeding studies were performed in young and aged female virgin wild type C57BL6J mice to establish their reproductive phenotype by measuring time to conception, litter size, and live birth per dam. Individual oocytes were analyzed for mtDNA content. Transmission electron microscopy was used to study ultrastructure of mitochondria in oocytes.

Results

Old females were found to have significantly prolonged time to conception and fewer surviving pups in their litters. Oocytes from old mice had 2.7-fold less mtDNA compared to younger controls (p < 0.001; 95 % CI 2.1–3.5). Decrease in mitochondrial organelle abundance in old animal’s oocytes was confirmed with transmission electron microscopy. Distinct morphological changes were noted in mitochondria, suggesting altered mitochondrial biogenesis in the old animals’ oocytes.

Conclusions

Reproductive aging in mice is associated with reduced reproductive competence. Aging is associated with a significant decrease in number of mitochondria in oocytes. Our data support mitochondrial organelle loss and dysfunction in oocytes as a potential etiology for reproductive senescence.

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Acknowledgments

These data were presented at the 59th annual Society for Gynecologic Investigation meeting. Supported by DHHS, NIH DA030996 to William Lewis MD. Authors have nothing to disclose

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Gynecology & Obstetrics, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA

    Vitaly A. Kushnir

  2. Department of Pathology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA

    Tomika Ludaway, Rodney B. Russ, Earl J. Fields, Christopher Koczor & William Lewis

  3. Department of Gynecology & Obstetrics Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Emory University School of Medicine, Emory University, 101 Woodruff Circle, 4217-WMB, Atlanta, GA, 30312, USA

    Vitaly A. Kushnir

Authors
  1. Vitaly A. Kushnir
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  2. Tomika Ludaway
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  3. Rodney B. Russ
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  4. Earl J. Fields
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  5. Christopher Koczor
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  6. William Lewis
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Vitaly A. Kushnir.

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Capsule

Reproductive aging in mice is associated with reduced reproductive competence, a significant decrease in number and altered structure of ooplasmic mitochondria.

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Kushnir, V.A., Ludaway, T., Russ, R.B. et al. Reproductive aging is associated with decreased mitochondrial abundance and altered structure in murine oocytes. J Assist Reprod Genet 29, 637–642 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10815-012-9771-5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10815-012-9771-5

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