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Direct positive effect of epidermal growth factor on the cytoplasmic maturation of mouse and human oocytes
K Das1, L E Stout, H C Hensleigh
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis 55455.
Objective:
Immature mammalian oocytes cultured in vitro undergo inadequate cytoplasmic maturation and hence have a limited potential for fertilization. Our primary objective was to determine if the addition of epidermal growth factor (EGF) to the in vitro culture system would have a positive effect on oocyte cytoplasmic maturation.
Design:
We studied the effect of different EGF concentrations on both denuded and cumulus-enclosed mouse oocytes cultured in vitro.
Main Outcome Measures:
The percentage of oocytes undergoing germinal vesicle breakdown (GVBD) and polar body one formation over time as a function of EGF concentration was determined.
Results:
A dose-related positive effect of EGF on both GVBD and polar body one formation over time was observed for mouse oocytes. As well, a similar effect of EGF was seen on immature human oocytes that had not been stimulated with exogenous gonadotropins.
Conclusions:
The use of EGF may allow for the performance of successful in vitro fertilization procedures using immature human oocytes retrieved during unstimulated cycles.