P-97: Parthenogenetic Activation of Mouse Oocyte Using Calcium Ionophore in The Presence of Different Concentrations of Extracellular Calcium

Background: Parthenogenetic activation is a possible way to produce homogeneous embryos with the some ploidy. Probably such embryos could be used in other areas of biotechnology. Calcium signals are known as important regulators of oocyte activation. Extracellular calcium is required for initiation of meiotic resumption and development. Calcium ionophore A23187 is known to elevate intracellular Ca2+ levels in the cytoplasm of oocytes through the influx of calcium from extracellular spaces. This study investigated the role of extracellular calcium on calcium ionophore inducing oocyte parthenogenetic activation in mouse. Materials and Methods: 6 to 8-week-old female NMRI mouse were superovulated by an injection of 10 IU of PMSG, followed by 10 IU HCG 48 hours later. Metaphase II oocytes enclosed in cumulus masses were collected from oviduct 14 hours after HCG injection. The group in which oocytes were cultured in media alone was the control, those cultured was in the presence of 5μM calcium ionophore A23187 for 5 minutes designated as experiment group. Consequently, the three treatments I, II and III are referred to culture in T6 medium containing 0, 1.7, 3.4 mM calcium. Oocytes were cultured for 72 hours and embryo development was assessed. Results: After 72 hours, in treatments I, II, III from experiment and control groups the percentage of cleavage rate was 0%, 10.1%, 27.2% and 11.3%, 44.2%, 61.3%; respectively. Cleavage rate in experiment group was higher than control group (p<0.05). Conclusion: After 72 hours, in treatments I, II, III from experiment and control groups the percentage of cleavage rate was 0%, 10.1%, 27.2% and 11.3%, 44.2%, 61.3%; respectively. Cleavage rate in experiment group was higher than control group (p<0.05).