EFFECT OF MYO-INOSITOL ON IN VITRO PRODUCTION OF OVINE EMBRYOS

Abstract

The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of the inclusion of myo-inositol in the in vitro oocyte maturation medium on the IVP of ovine embryos. The oocytes were collected from ovaries obtained in a slaughterhouse, which were aspirated and taken to in vitro maturation, being divided into four groups: in the CON group, the cumulus oocyte complexes (CCO) were immersed in TCM-199, supplemented with 500 IU/mL penicillin, 0.5 mg streptomycin, 1.25 µg amphotericin, 0.2 mM sodium pyruvate, 10% (v/v) fetal bovine serum (FBS), 10 ng/mL of epidermal growth factor (EGF), 10 µg/mL of FSH and LH and µg/ml 17β-estradiol; in the MIO20, MIO30 and MIO40 groups, the oocytes were matured in the medium of the CON group, supplemented with 20, 30 and 40 mM myo-inositol. After that, the oocytes were evaluated for the presence or absence of cumulus cell expansion and for the degree of expansion and destined for in vitro fertilization, in IVF medium, together with spermatozoa. After IVF, the presumptive zygotes that went on to in vitro culture were evaluated. Cleavages were evaluated on day 1 and day 2, with day 0 being the day of in vitro cultivation initiation. Data were presented in percentages and the Chi-square test was used in the Epi Info software. Results were considered significant when P<0.05. It was clear that there was no significant difference in relation to oocytes with or without expansion of cumulus cells in the MIO20, MIO30 and MIO40 groups. Regarding the degree of expansion of cumulus cells, number of presumed zygotes and number of cleaved structures, myo-inositol showed no significant difference in relation to the CON group. Based on this information, it is concluded that myo-inositol showed effective antioxidant action, acting in a relevant way in oocyte maturation. However, further studies are needed to clarify the effects of myo-inositol on ovine IVF.