The SPOM-adapted IVM system improves in vitro production of bovine embryos.

This study aimed to test the effects of an IVM SPOM adaptation (SPOM-adapted IVM) on the production, total number of cells (TNC), apoptosis, and cryotolerance (post-warming survival and cytoskeleton actin integrity) of bovine IVP embryos. Two experiments were conducted with two experimental groups based on IVM treatment: A control group (TCM 199 without FCS) and an SPOM-adapted group (TCM 199 with forskolin and IBMX in pre-IVM and IVM with cilostamide). The first experiment evaluated embryo in vitro production, TNC, and apoptosis rate on D9 of development. In the second experiment, embryos were vitrified/warmed at D7 (control fresh and vitrified; SPOM-adapted fresh and vitrified) and assessed regarding post-warming survival rates and cytoskeleton actin integrity. Statistical analysis was performed using GraphPad INSTAT software at a significance level of 5%. An increase (p < 0.05) in blastocyst production was observed in the SPOM-adapted group comparing to the control group. There was no difference (p > 0.05) in the TNC or apoptosis rate between the groups. Regarding cryopreservation, no differences were found (p > 0.05) in actin integrity or post-warming survival rates between the vitrified groups. In both vitrified groups, we observed a significantly lower uninjured pattern of actin integrity compared to the fresh groups (p < 0.05). We conclude that the SPOM-adapted IVM system is beneficial for blastocyst production and does not affect the quality and cryotolerance of the produced embryos.

Role of cAMP modulator supplementations during oocyte in vitro maturation in domestic animals.

Cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) is an important molecule in signal transduction within the cell, functioning as a second cell messenger of gonadotrophin stimulation. The concentration of cAMP in cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) is known to be controlled through modulation of its synthesis by adenylyl cyclase (AC) and by degradation through the cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase (PDE) enzymes. One of the main obstacles for in vitro embryo production is the optimization of reproduction processes that occur in oocyte maturation. The function of cAMP is important in maintaining meiotic arrest in mammalian oocytes. When the oocyte is physically removed from the antral follicle for in vitro maturation (IVM), intra-oocyte cAMP concentrations decrease and spontaneous meiotic resumption begins, due to the depletion of inhibitory factors from the follicle. In many studies, relatively greater cAMP concentrations before IVM has been reported to improve oocyte competence, leading to subsequent benefits in embryonic development in different species. There, therefore, has been an increase in oocyte cAMP concentrations with several treatments and different approaches, such as invasive AC, stimulators of AC activity, PDE inhibitors, and cAMP analogs. The aim of this review is to comprehensively evaluate and provide data related to (i) the use of cAMP modulators during IVM and the effects on completion of meiosis and cytoplasmic reorganization, which are required for development of oocytes with the capacity to contribute to fertilization and subsequent embryonic development; and (ii) the main cAMP modulators and the effects when used in oocyte IVM.