Contents
Culture techniques of antral follicle-like structure (AFLS) derived from cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) might provide important insights into follicular development and oocyte maturation. This study was undertaken to investigate the effects of embedding bovine COCs individually (one COC) or in groups (4-5 COCs) in collagen gels on the formation of AFLS and the meiotic status of oocytes. The observations of AFLS formation were performed every second day for 14 days. The AFLS was formed at Day 2 or 4 after the start of culture (Day = 0), irrespective of the culture methods. The mean diameters of AFLS during Days 4-14 using the individual culture method were significantly higher (p < 0.05) than those using the group culture method. However, the AFLS formation rate in the individual culture method was significantly lower compared to that in the group culture method (26.1% vs 62.7%, p < 0.01). Almost all oocytes had undergone the germinal vesicle breakdown stage, irrespective of the culture method or AFLS formation. In conclusion, comparison with the individual culture method revealed that the mean diameters of AFLS in the group culture method were smaller, but more COCs formed AFLS. The group culture method might be useful for evaluating the various hypotheses of follicular formation and interfollicular communication. However, improvement of the group culture system is necessary to prevent the meiotic resumption of oocytes, because the AFLS formation is dependent on the cumulus/granulosa cells surrounding oocytes.