The developmental competence of cumulus–oocyte complexes (COC) used for in vitro production is dependent on several factors including the stage of the oestrus cycle. In a recent study, we were able to show that circulating progesterone (P4) had no effect on follicle number, size, recovery rate, or in vitro production suitability of recovered COC (Schlüter et al. 2012 Reprod. Fertil. Dev. 24, 175–176). The aim of the present study was to determine the influence of circulating P4 concentrations on the molecular quality of bovine COC collected during repeated OPU sessions. The COC were aspirated twice per week for 5 to 6 weeks from 12 Holstein Friesian heifers. The first OPU session took place on Day 7 of the oestrous cycle after spontaneous ovulation (ovulation = Day 0). Blood samples were taken at the time of each OPU session, and P4 concentrations were determined using a radioimmunoassay. All animals showed clinical signs of oestrus and large follicles (≥8.5 mm) during the course of the OPU sessions. Following the aspiration of a large follicle, a CL-like structure (induced CL) could be detected. According to the P4 concentrations, the cycle was divided into 3 phases: CL phase after spontaneous ovulation (oCL; P4: ≥1 ng mL–1), follicle phase 1 (Fp; P4 <1 ng mL–1), and induced CL phase (iCL; P4: ≥1 ng mL–1). The length of the cycle after spontaneous ovulation did not differ significantly from that after induced ovulation (22.4 ± 3.1 days v. 23.8 ± 1.8 days, respectively). During the oCL-phase, blood P4 concentrations were significantly higher than during the iCL-phase (4.9 ± 2.3 ng mL–1 v. 3.0 ± 1.6 ng mL–1). For mRNA analysis, denuded COC were individually frozen at –80°C to analyse the relative transcript abundance using RT-qPCR. The transcripts studied play important roles during oocyte development [growth differentiation factor 9 (GDF9), bone morphogenetic protein 15 (BMP15), glucose transporter 1 (SCL2A1), hypoxia inducible factor 2α (HIF2α), progesterone receptor (PGR), progestin and adipoQ receptor 5 (PAQR5), progesterone receptor membrane component 1 and 2 (PGRMC1, PGRMC2)]. Data were tested using analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by multiple pairwise comparisons using Tukey’s test. A P-value of ≤0.05 was considered significant. The relative abundance of all transcripts except SCL2A1 was significantly increased in oocytes collected from follicles of the oCL phase compared with that from oocytes that had been aspirated during the iCL phase. A significant increase in the relative amount of PGR, PGRMC1, PGRMC2, and BMP15 transcripts was detected in oocytes stemming from the follicular phase to those from the iCL phase. No differences in the relative abundance of all transcripts were seen comparing oocytes from oCL phase and oocytes from the follicular phase. In summary, circulating P4 concentrations had an effect on the molecular quality of COC recovered during repeated OPU session, which might affect further development.
The financial support of the FBF (Förderverein Biotechnologieforschung) e.V. is gratefully acknowledged.
QUALITATIVE ASPECTS OF OOCYTES FROM NELORE AND SENEPOL BREEDS REARED IN A TROPICAL REGION