Human Reproduction, Vol 13, 381-386, Copyright © 1998 by Oxford University Press
JJ Tarin, J Ten, FJ Vendrell and A Cano
The present study was designed to ascertain whether the negative effects on
reproductive potential of post-ovulatory ageing in vitro of oocytes can be
prevented by antioxidant therapy. Mouse metaphase II (MII) oocytes were
aged in vitro for 12 h prior to insemination in the presence of varying
concentrations of L-ascorbic acid, 6-methoxy-
2,5,7,8-tetramethylchromane-2-carboxylic acid (Trolox), L-cystine
dihydrochloride, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), beta-
mercaptoethanol and DL-dithiothreitol (DTT). In-vitro ageing of oocytes was
associated with lower fertilization rate, higher proportion of concepti
exhibiting cellular fragmentation at 24 h post-insemination and lower
percentage of concepti reaching the blastocyst stage. Ascorbic acid, Trolox
and EDTA had no effect on cellular fragmentation or potential of oocytes
for development. However, the probability of an oocyte reaching the
blastocyst stage was decreased (P < or = or = 0.05) in oocytes incubated
in the presence of L-cystine (50 and 500 microM) and beta-mercaptoethanol
(5, 50 and 500 microM) when compared to control aged oocytes.
Age-associated cellular fragmentation at 24 h post-insemination was
partially prevented (P < or = 0.05) by incubating oocytes in the
presence of beta-mercaptoethanol (500 microM). DTT (50 and 500 microM)
increased (P < or = 0.05) fertilization rate and number of cells at 81 h
post-insemination to levels similar to those exhibited by control oocytes.
Furthermore, both age-associated fragmentation at 24 h post-insemination (P
< or = 0.05) and decreased potential of oocytes for development to the
blastocyst stage (P < or = 0.05) were prevented, at least in part, by
culturing oocytes in the presence of DTT (50 microM). Although the
mechanism by which DTT exerts its beneficial effects on aged oocytes
remains to be elucidated, it may protect oocytes by preventing oxidation of
free thiol groups and/or altering a redox-independent signalling pathway
that mediates cellular fragmentation and death.
ARTICLES
Dithiothreitol prevents age-associated decrease in oocyte/conceptus viability in vitro
Department of Paediatrics, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Valencia, Spain.
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