Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 8, 2025

09:30
In Vitro Culture Strategy for Oocytes from Early Antral Follicle in Cattle
Published on: July 8, 2020
9.0K
Oocyte quality following in vitro follicle development†
Jing Xu1,2, Mary B Zelinski1,2
1Division of Reproductive & Developmental Sciences, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Beaverton, OR, USA.
Biology of Reproduction
|December 28, 2021
Summary
In vitro follicle development (IVFD) offers insights into folliculogenesis and fertility preservation. This review assesses oocyte quality from IVFD, aiming to produce competent oocytes for healthy offspring.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Biology
- Developmental Biology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- In vitro follicle development (IVFD) is a valuable model for studying folliculogenesis and assessing ovarian toxicity.
- IVFD holds potential for fertility preservation and species conservation by producing competent oocytes.
- Optimized culture systems are crucial for advancing IVFD across various species.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and assess the quality of oocytes derived from in vitro-developed antral follicles.
- To evaluate epigenetic and genetic profiles, maturation status, and developmental potential of IVFD-generated oocytes.
- To identify limitations and knowledge gaps in current IVFD protocols for producing viable oocytes.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive literature review of studies on in vitro follicle development.
- Analysis of oocyte quality assessment methods, including epigenetic, genetic, and maturation parameters.
- Evaluation of embryonic development, pregnancy, and live offspring outcomes following in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer.
Main Results:
- IVFD systems have been refined by optimizing culture conditions, including gonadotropins, nutrients, and oxygen levels.
- Quality assessment of IVFD oocytes encompasses epigenetic/genetic integrity, nuclear/cytoplasmic maturation, and in vitro fertilization success.
- Successful outcomes include preimplantation embryonic development, pregnancy, and live offspring, indicating progress in IVFD efficacy.
Conclusions:
- Continued refinement of IVFD culture systems is essential for improving oocyte competence and developmental potential.
- Addressing limitations in oocyte quality evaluation is critical for advancing IVFD applications.
- Further research is needed to fully understand and optimize IVFD for producing genetically sound oocytes and healthy offspring.
Related Concept Videos
Folliculogenesis
1.3K
Folliculogenesis is the development of ovarian follicles, the specialized structures within the ovarian cortex where oogenesis, or egg development, occurs. This process is essential for female reproductive health and begins during fetal development when primordial follicles are formed. Each primordial follicle comprises a primary oocyte in the center, surrounded by a single layer of squamous pre-granulosa cells. These follicles remain dormant in late prophase I of meiosis until triggered by...
1.3K
Oogenesis
65.1K
In human women, oogenesis produces one mature egg cell or ovum for every precursor cell that enters meiosis. This process differs in two unique ways from the equivalent procedure of spermatogenesis in males. First, meiotic divisions during oogenesis are asymmetric, meaning that a large oocyte (containing most of the cytoplasm) and minor polar body are produced as a result of meiosis I, and again following meiosis II. Since only oocytes will go on to form embryos if fertilized, this unequal...
65.1K
Ovarian Cycle
2.1K
The menstrual cycle includes a critical component known as the ovarian cycle, which undergoes two main phases each month—the follicular phase and the luteal phase. The follicular phase is variable and averaging around 14 days. Ovulation, triggered by a surge in luteinizing hormone (LH), marks the transition between the two phases. The second phase, the luteal phase, is relatively consistent, lasting approximately 14 days, and is marked by the activity of the corpus luteum. While a cycle...
2.1K

