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Vertebrate reproductive science and technology
RESEARCH ARTICLE

Hypoxia limits mouse follicle growth in vitro

J. M. Connolly A C , M. T. Kane A , L. R. Quinlan A , P. Dockery B and A. C. Hynes A
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations

A Physiology, National University of Ireland Galway, University Road, Galway, Ireland.

B Anatomy, National University of Ireland Galway, University Road, Galway, Ireland.

C Corresponding author. Email: ailish.hynes@nuigalway.ie

Reproduction, Fertility and Development 28(10) 1570-1579 https://doi.org/10.1071/RD14471
Submitted: 26 November 2014  Accepted: 5 March 2015   Published: 13 April 2015

Abstract

Ovarian follicle culture is useful for elucidation of factors involved in the regulation of follicular function. We examined the effects of gas phase oxygen concentration, an oil overlay, serum type and medium supplementation with FSH, insulin–transferrin–selenium (ITS) and l-ascorbic acid on cultured preantral mouse follicle growth in a spherical, non-attached follicle culture system. Follicle growth in 5% oxygen was significantly (P < 0.01) inferior to growth in 20% oxygen in terms of follicle diameter. This was likely due to hypoxia, as evidenced by significantly (P < 0.05) increased follicle secretion of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), a marker of cell hypoxia. Follicular growth was not (P > 0.05) affected by an oil overlay, ITS supplementation or serum type. Culture in medium with 5% mouse serum, 1 IU mL–1 FSH, 25 μg mL–1 l-ascorbic acid and 20% oxygen without an oil overlay supported the growth of follicles to a maximum diameter of 380 μm in 6 days. Compared with mature preovulatory mouse follicles in vivo that often have diameters >500 μm within the same time frame, in vitro-grown follicles clearly exhibit limited growth. Thus, adequate oxygenation is an essential factor in the process of optimising follicle growth.

Additional keywords: culture system, development, growth, oxygen, preantral, VEGF.


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