Combined Effect of Retinoic Acid and Basic Fibroblast Growth Factor on Maturation of Mouse Oocyte and Subsequent Fertilization and Development

Objective Many autocrine and paracrine elements that are produced within follicular niche have been the focus of much in vitro maturation research. The present study was carried out to compare retinoic acid and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) efficacy on IVM of mouse oocytes, and their further dual consumption to reach an optimal protocol. MaterialsAndMethods GV oocytes obtained from two-month-old NMRI mice were randomly divided into control, sham and 3 experimental groups. The basic culture medium was α-MEM supplemented with 10% FBS, 50 mg/l streptomycin, 60 mg/l penicillin and 10 ng/ml epidermal growth factors. Each of the experimental groups received one of the following treatments: RA (2µM), bFGF (20 ng/ml) or combination of RA and bFGF with the same concentrations. After 24 hours, capacitated spermatozoa were added to in vitro matured oocytes. Five hours later, the oocytes were cultured in fresh droplets of M2 medium for 24 hours and assessed for cleavage to the two cell stage. Results As compared with the control group, the rate of maturation was significantly increased in the RA (p