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Effect of oxygen and glucose availability during in vitro maturation of bovine oocytes on development and gene expression

  • Gamete Biology
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Abstract

Purpose

Oxygen tension during the in vitro maturation (IVM) of oocytes is important for oocyte developmental competence. A conflict exists in the literature as to whether low oxygen during IVM is detrimental or beneficial to the oocyte. Many research and clinical labs use higher than physiological oxygen tension perhaps believing that low-oxygen tension is detrimental to oocyte development. Other studies show that glucose is important if low-oxygen tension is used during maturation. In this study, we look at the link between low oxygen and glucose availability during IVM to resolve misconceptions around low-oxygen tension during IVM.

Methods

Bovine cumulus oocyte complexes (COCs) were matured at 20% vs 7% oxygen in media containing differing glucose concentrations or varying availability. Cleavage and blastocyst rates were recorded. RT-PCR determined expression levels of metabolic, oxygen, and stress-responsive genes following IVM.

Results

Embryo development in 7% oxygen groups with 2.3mM glucose/low glucose availability was lower than 20% oxygen groups. Under 7% oxygen with 5.6mM glucose or higher glucose availability, rates were restored to those seen in 20% oxygen. Expressions of BNIP3, ENO1, GAPDH, and SLC2A1, were upregulated in 7% oxygen/low glucose, compared to 20% oxygen groups. BNIP3 expression was higher in 7% oxygen group with low glucose availability compared to the 20% groups.

Conclusion

Oocyte developmental competence is negatively impacted following IVM in low oxygen when glucose availability is limited. Glucose concentration and physical culture conditions need to be considered when comparing the effects of different oxygen concentrations during IVM.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Robinson Research Institute, Adelaide Medical School, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia

    Annie Whitty, Kylie R. Dunning & Jeremy G. Thompson

  2. School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia

    Karen L. Kind

  3. Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Nanoscale BioPhotonics, Institute for Photonics and Advanced Sensing, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia

    Kylie R. Dunning

  4. Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Level 2, Helen Mayo South Building, Frome Rd, Adelaide, 5005, Australia

    Kylie R. Dunning

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  1. Annie Whitty
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Correspondence to Kylie R. Dunning.

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Whitty, A., Kind, K.L., Dunning, K.R. et al. Effect of oxygen and glucose availability during in vitro maturation of bovine oocytes on development and gene expression. J Assist Reprod Genet 38, 1349–1362 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10815-021-02218-w

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