Effects of Cumulus Cells and Fetal Calf Serum on In Vitro Fertilization of Rabbit Oviductal Oocytes

In this study, 24 female and 2 male New Zealand White rabbits were used as donors of gametes. Following the induction of superstimulation with PMSG, and ovulation with hCG, cumulus oocyte complexes (COC) were collected by flushing the oviducts with PBS supplemented with BSA. Some of the oocytes were used in fertilization with cumulus cells others were used without cumulus cells. Gametes were cultured for 5 hours in mDM for fertilization. Then, presumptive zygotes were placed in one of the following two media for 18 to 21 hours to determines the effect of serum supplementation and cumulus cells on cleavage rates: Ham`s F-10 alone, supplemented with 20% FCS. Fertilization was assesed by detection of oocytes cleavage rates. Cleavage rate were 72.2 % oocytes with cumulus cells for Ham`s F-10 supplemented with 20% FCS, 66.7 % oocytes with cumulus cells for Ham`s F-10 alone and 68.6 % oocytes without cumulus cells for Ham`s F-10 supplemented with 20% FCS, 55.3 % oocytes without cumulus cells for Ham`s F-10 alone (P>0,05).

Although differences were not statistically significant, numerical differences supported the use of serum and cumulus cells in rabbit zygote culture media. Keywords : Cumulus cells, fetal calf serum, in vitro fertilization, oocyte, rabbit