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Updated: Apr 19, 2026
Preparation of Rat Serum Suitable for Mammalian Whole Embryo Culture
Published on: August 3, 2014
Effect of rat medicated serum containing you gui wan on mouse oocyte in vitro maturation and subsequent fertilization
Xiao-Hui Jiang1, Yan-Li Deng1, Hua Lu1
1Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, The Second Medical College/Teaching Hospital, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No. 15, Fourth Segment, Remin Nanlu Road, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China.
Abstract:
You Gui Wan (YGW) is a classic herbal formula in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) used for the clinical treatment of infertility. This study was to explore whether YGW has an impact on mouse oocyte maturation in vitro and subsequent fertilization competence. Rat medicated serum containing YGW was prepared by orally administrating YGW. Mouse immature oocytes were cultured with YGW medicated serum and compared to those cultured with or without normal rat serum or follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). YGW medicated serum significantly increased the percentages of matured oocytes when compared to the groups with or without normal rat serum (P < 0.01). Furthermore, YGW medicated serum increased the rate of in vitro fertilization (IVF) when compared to the groups treated with FSH and with or without normal rat serum (P < 0.001). YGW medicated serum also had significant effects on the mRNA expressions of PKA, CREB, MAPK, PKC, PKG, and MPF and the concentrations of cAMP, cGMP, and NO in matured oocytes. These results indicate that YGW can promote mouse oocyte maturation and IVF in vitro. Signaling pathways, such as the cAMP/PKA/MAPK, the PKC-MAPK, and the NO-cGMP-PKG pathway, which are similar to those induced by FSH, may be responsible for this action.
