Nuclear configuration, spindle morphology and cytoskeletal organization of in vivo maturing horse oocytes.
Abstract: Horse oocytes (n = 37) were recovered in vivo from pre-ovulatory follicles 30 h after an ovulation-inducing hCG injection and were examined by fluorescent staining and confocal microscopy. Percentages of metaphase-I (MI), metaphase-II (MII) and atypical oocytes were 11%, 78% and 11% respectively. Microtubules were concentrated in the meiotic spindle in both MI and MII oocytes. Chromosomes in the metaphase plate were anchored at the equatorial region of the spindle. Spindle orientation was perpendicular to the oolema in all MI oocytes, whereas in MII oocytes, 66% were parallel and 34% were perpendicular. In MII oocytes, the nuclear material in the polar body had no specific organization and was intertwined with microtubules. Discrete foci of microfilaments at the sub-cortical region of the ooplasm formed an F-actin band, as seen in the inner confocal sections. The percentage area of oocyte image with discrete foci and/or the thickness of F-actin band was used to indicate microfilament content. Microfilament content was greater (p < 0.006) in MII oocytes than in MI oocytes and greater (p < 0.03) in MII oocytes with a perpendicular spindle than with a parallel spindle. The perpendicular spindle orientation in MII oocytes may have represented a later stage of maturation. Atypical oocytes were based on microtubules that were detached from the kinetochores and spread in the ooplasm or by microtubules that accumulated as an amorphous mass near the condensed chromatin. This is the first description of the nuclear configuration, spindle morphology and cytoskeletal organization of in vivo maturing horse oocytes.
Publication Date: 2008-10-28 PubMed ID: 18992126DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0531.2008.01105.xGoogle Scholar: Lookup
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- Journal Article
- Research Support
- Non-U.S. Gov't
Summary
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The research article focuses on the study of the nuclear configuration, spindle morphology, and cytoskeletal organization of maturing horse oocytes collected in vivo, or within the natural biological environment. Throughout the examination of these oocytes, significant observations about their structure and maturation stages bore valuable insights.
Research Methodology
- The researchers studied 37 horse oocytes, which were collected directly from the pre-ovulatory follicles 30 hours after an injection triggering ovulation.
- These samples were examined using fluorescent staining and confocal microscopy, a technique that allows precise imaging of cellular structures.
Key Findings
- The study identified different stages of oocyte maturation including metaphase-I (MI), metaphase-II (MII), and an atypical stage. The majority of the oocytes were in the MII stage (78%), while 11% were in the MI stage and 11% were atypical.
- The study revealed how microtubules, which are part of the cell’s skeleton, were concentrated in the meiotic spindle in both MI and MII oocytes. A meiotic spindle helps in the orderly distribution of chromosomes during cell division.
- The researchers found that in MII oocytes, the nuclear material was not specifically organized in the polar body and was mixed with microtubules. Microfilament content was also notably higher in MII oocytes as compared to MI oocytes, potentially indicating a more advanced maturity stage.
- Atypical oocytes were characterized by detached microtubules spread in the ooplasm or accumulated as an amorphous mass near the condensed chromatin.
Significance of the Study
- This research is the first of its kind to describe the nuclear configuration, spindle morphology, and cytoskeletal organization of in vivo maturing horse oocytes. It contributes significantly to the existing knowledge of equine reproduction biology and potentially prompts further studies on the subject.
- The detailed findings provide new insights into the maturation process of horse oocytes, which could have implications for equine breeding practices, and potentially assist in the advancement of equine assisted reproductive technologies.
Cite This Article
APA
Siddiqui MA, Gastal EL, Ju JC, Gastal MO, Beg MA, Ginther OJ.
(2008).
Nuclear configuration, spindle morphology and cytoskeletal organization of in vivo maturing horse oocytes.
Reprod Domest Anim, 44(3), 435-440.
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1439-0531.2008.01105.x Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Eutheria Foundation, Cross Plains, WI 53528, USA.
MeSH Terms
- Actin Cytoskeleton / ultrastructure
- Animals
- Cell Nucleus / ultrastructure
- Chorionic Gonadotropin / administration & dosage
- Chromosomes / ultrastructure
- Cytoskeleton / ultrastructure
- Female
- Fluorescent Dyes
- Horses / anatomy & histology
- Meiosis
- Metaphase
- Microscopy, Confocal
- Microtubules / ultrastructure
- Oocytes / growth & development
- Oocytes / ultrastructure
- Ovulation Induction
Citations
This article has been cited 1 times.- Vanderwall DK, Baumann C, Viveiros M, Sertich PL, Kelleman AA, Maenhoudt C, Jacobson CC, De La Fuente R. Characterizing the meiotic spindle configuration and chromosome complement of in vivo matured equine oocytes. Anim Reprod Sci 2010;121(1-2 Suppl):234-236.
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