RESUMO
The objective of the present study was to investigate the cumulus expansions of Nili Ravi buffalo oocytes during cultured in TCM -199 supplemented with 2 micro g/ml oestradiol [E[2]], 0.05 IU/ml recombinant human follicle stimulating hormone [rhFSH], 2IU/ml human chorionic gonadotrophin [hCG], and 0.12 IU/ml insulin [I]. The cumulus oocytes complexes [COCs] were collected from 2-8mm follicles from local abattoir ovaries. Supplementation of medium with single hormones showed significant [P<0.0001] increase in mean diameter of COCs with rhFSH except E[2], hCG and insulin after 24 hours compared to the increase in the mean diameter of COCs matured in TCM-199 without any hormonal supplementation. With rhFSH even at 8th hour, significant increase [P<0.001] in cumulus expansion was observed. In combination of hormones the significant [P<0.0001] cumulus expansion was achieved in E[2]+rhFSH treatment group. The non significant [P>0.05] cumulus expansion was observed in treatment groups viz. E[2]+hCG, E[2]+Insulin, rhFSH+hCG, rhFSH+Insulin, hCG+Insulin, E[2]+rhFSH+hCG and E[2]+rhFSH+hCG+Insulin after 24 hours. In conclusion, supplementation of rhFSH alone and in combination with E2in TCM-199 has highly significant effect on cumulus expansion