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Methods for Analyzing Lipid Droplets in Mammalian Oocytes and Fertilized Embryos
Megumi Ibayashi1, Satoshi Tsukamoto1
1Laboratory Animal and Bioresource Sciences Section National Institutes for Quantum Science and Technology Chiba Anagawa Japan.
Background:
Lipid droplets (LDs) are organelles consisting of a central core of neutral lipids covered by a single layer of phospholipids and are found in most eukaryotic cells. It has long been known that mammalian oocytes accumulate different amounts of LDs between animals; however, it is largely unknown why LD content varies from animal to animal and its physiological role remains unclear. Reflecting the growing interest in LDs in mammalian oocyte and early embryos, several comprehensive reviews have appeared in the last few years, but none have reviewed methods for visualizing and analyzing LDs stored in oocytes or fertilized eggs.
Methods:
We outline experimental methods for visualizing LDs in mammalian oocytes and early embryos. We also describe a method for LD degradation by fertilization-induced autophagy and a centrifugation-based method for the removal of LDs from ovulated metaphase II (MII) oocytes in mice.
Main Findings:
This review outlines the advantages and disadvantages of some of the typical methods for observing and analyzing LDs in oocytes and fertilized embryos.
Conclusion:
Our review provides useful information not only to basic researchers interested in LDs in mammalian oocytes and fertilized embryos, including humans, but also to embryologists and medical doctors.
