Effect of Mechanical Stimulations on the Cytoskeleton of Mouse Oocytes During Maturation

In the reproductive system of female mammals, the early embryos grow and develop in the fallopian tube, where they are stimulated by fluid flow and ciliary vibration. The mechanical environment of the fallopian tube affects the development of embryos. This study is focused on the role of mechanical stimulation on the cytoskeleton of oocytes during oocyte maturation in vitro. The 3 Hz microvibration and tilting stimulations were applied to mouse immature oocytes. The oocyte maturation rate and area of the first polar body under dynamic stimulation were compared with those of the static culture group. A fluorescence assay was used to study the localization of the cytoskeleton during oocyte maturation. The results indicated that mechanical stimulation can change the localization of F-actin and spindle, and oocytes discharged smaller areas of the first polar body.