Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 16, 2026

A Neural Network-Based Identification of Developmentally Competent or Incompetent Mouse Fully-Grown Oocytes
Published on: March 3, 2018
Protective effects of melatonin on the in vitro developmental competence of bovine oocytes
Yunwei Pang1, Shanjiang Zhao1, Yeqing Sun1
1Embryo Biotechnology and Reproduction Laboratory, Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China.
Abstract:
The present study investigated the effects of melatonin on bovine oocyte maturation and subsequent embryonic development in vitro. Results showed that the nuclear and cytoplasmic maturation, characterized by first polar body extrusion, normal distribution of cortical granules and mitochondria, as well as increased mitochondrial membrane potential, were significantly improved in 10-9 mol/L melatonin-treated oocytes. Melatonin supplementation reduced intracellular reactive oxygen species level and enhanced glutathione production. Meanwhile, the presence of melatonin (10-9 mol/L) during oocyte maturation resulted in a decreased early apoptotic rate in oocytes. After in vitro fertilization, oocytes receiving melatonin supplementation exhibited a significantly higher blastocyst formation rate and yielded a markedly lower number of apoptotic cells. Mechanistic explorations showed that addition of 10-9 mol/L melatonin to in vitro maturation media significantly attenuated the transcript level of caspase-3, while the expressions of BCL-2, XIAP, CAT and HSP70 were significantly reinforced in the resultant embryos. Taken together, melatonin ameliorates bovine oocyte maturation potential, and the beneficial effects can affect subsequent embryonic development. The protective role of melatonin may be due to its anti-apoptotic and anti-oxidative activities.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Introduction to Developmental Psychology
Three Developmental Domains
Physical Development
Physical processes, also known as maturation, encompass the biological changes that occur across an individual's life. These changes begin with genetic inheritance and continue through various stages, including growth in height and weight,...
Protection of Alcohols
Protection
It defines a protecting group as the masking agent to make the more reactive species inert to a given set of conditions. This concept is depicted via the illustration of liquid flow through different outlets in an assembly of pipes. The analogy helps to understand the role...
Zones of Protection
Protective zones are defined by closed dashed lines, containing one or more components. A key characteristic of these zones is the strategic placement of...
Protecting Self-Esteem
Radial System Protection
In a radial system with a fault downstream of the third breaker, ideally, only the third breaker will open, isolating the fault and interrupting the load connected beyond it. The second breaker has a longer delay setting,...

