In vitro maturation of buffalo oocytes with epidermal growth factor and fibroblast growth factor

Abstract

The present study was conducted to investigate the optimum concentration of epidermal growth factor (EGF) and fibroblast growth factor (FGF) for in vitro matura,tion of buffalo oocytes and to examine the effect of these growth factors when used alone or along with pregnant mare , serum gonadotrophin (PMSG) on the same. In experiment L. aspirated oocytes were cultured in TCM-199 supplemented with EGF (10,20,30 ng/ml) of FGF (10,20,30 ng/ml) In a CO₂ incubator at 38.5°C for 24 hr. Maturation was assessed by examining the expansion of cumulus cell mass and metaphase II stage after staining in aceto-orcein, 20 ng/ml was the optimum concentration of both EGF and FGF for buffalo oocyte maturation. Hence, in experiment 2, oocytes were cultured in TCM-199 supplemented with PMSG (40 IU/ml) and EGF (20/ng/ml), FGF (20 ng/ml) or both. TCM-199+EGF (20 ng/ml)+PMSG (40 IU/ml) were an ideal chemically defined medium for buffalo oocyte maturation.