Effect of mouse oocyte vitrification on mitochondrial membrane potential and distribution

J Huazhong Univ Sci Technolog Med Sci. 2014 Feb;34(1):99-102. doi: 10.1007/s11596-014-1238-8. Epub 2014 Feb 6.

Abstract

The effects of mouse oocyte vitrification on mitochondrial membrane potential and distribution were explored in this study. The collected mouse oocytes were randomly divided into vitrification and control groups. Ethylene glycol (EG) and dimethylsulphoxide (DMSO) were used as cryoprotectants in the vitrification group. The mitochondrial function and distribution in the oocytes were examined by using the fluorescent probes, JC-1 and Mito Tracker green. The results showed that the ratio of red to green fluorescence in mouse oocytes was significantly decreased after thawing in the vitrification group as compared with the control group (1.28 vs. 1.70, P<0.05). The percentage of polarized distribution of the mitochondria in oocytes was conspicuously reduced in the vitrification group when compared with the control group (31% vs. 63%, P<0.05). It was suggested that vitrification significantly affects the mitochondrial function and distribution in oocytes and reduces the potential of oocyte fertilization and embryo development.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cryopreservation / methods*
  • Cryoprotective Agents / pharmacology
  • Dimethyl Sulfoxide / pharmacology
  • Ethylene Glycol / pharmacology
  • Female
  • Fluorescent Dyes / metabolism
  • Membrane Potential, Mitochondrial / drug effects
  • Membrane Potential, Mitochondrial / physiology*
  • Mice
  • Microscopy, Fluorescence
  • Mitochondria / drug effects
  • Mitochondria / metabolism
  • Oocytes / drug effects
  • Oocytes / physiology*
  • Temperature
  • Vitrification*

Substances

  • Cryoprotective Agents
  • Fluorescent Dyes
  • Ethylene Glycol
  • Dimethyl Sulfoxide