Glucocorticoid metabolism in equine follicles and oocytes

The objective of this study was to determine whether: (1) systemic and intrafollicular cortisol concentrations in horses are directly related and (2) supraphysiologic levels of glucocorticoids affect in vitro maturation (IVM) rates of oocytes. Specifically, we studied the (1) changes in the intrafollicular cortisol and progesterone in context with granulosa cell gene expression during maturation of equine follicles (from 5 to 9, 10 to 14, 15 to 19, 20 to 24 and ≥ 25 mm in diameter) and (2) effects of cortisol supplementation on IVM rates and gene expression of equine cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs).

Source: Domestic Animal Endocrinology - October 27, 2016 Category: Endocrinology Authors: D. Scarlet, N. Ille, R. Ertl, B.G. Alves, G.D.A. Gastal, S.O. Paiva, M.O. Gastal, E.L. Gastal, C. Aurich Source Type: research