Stage-dependent effects of epidermal growth factor on Ca2+ efflux in mouse oocytes

Epidermal growth factor (EGF) has received much attention recently for its positive effects on mammalian oocyte maturation and embryo development and its potential importance in cytoplasmic maturation of oocytes. Calcium (Ca2+) homeostasis in germinal vesicle stage oocytes has also been suggested to play a role in cytoplasmic maturation. This study examined the effects of EGF on Ca2+ mobilization as measured by its efflux from mouse oocytes at three time periods throughout maturation (0-4 hr, 4-8 hr, and 12 hr). Immature cumulus oocyte complexes (COCs) removed from the ovary for less than 4 hr exhibit oscillations in Ca2+ efflux that initiated 5-30 min following EGF stimulation. This response was not observed in COCs matured for 4-8 hr or 12 hr or in unstimulated 0-4 hr COCs. Denuded oocytes and cumulus cells did not show the same response to EGF (8.2 nM and 16.4 nM). Immunohistochemistry for detection of the EGF receptor along with EGF internalization studies showed that receptors are present both on cumulus cells and the oocyte but EGF appears to be internalized mainly by the cumulus cells. These data demonstrate that EGF induces oscillations in Ca2+ efflux in COCs 0-4 hr old and this response is mediated by the cumulus cells.