Background: The effects of cumulus cells and the effectiveness of a PDE3 specific inhibitor (Cilostamide) in comparison with an adenylate cyclase activator (Forskolin) on the maturation rate and developmental competence of mouse germinal vesicle (GV) oocytes were evaluated Materials and Methods: Germinal vesicles (GV) oocytes of PMSG-primed mice were divided into cumulus denuded oocytes (CDOs) ...

minimal stimulation in vitro fertilization (mini-ivf) consists of a gentle controlled ovarian stimulation that aims to produce a maximum of five to six oocytes. there is a misbelief that mini-ivf severely compromises pregnancy and live birth rates. an appraisal of the literature pertaining to studies on mini-ivf protocols was performed. the advantages of minimal stimulation protocols are report...

To evaluate the potential effects of melatonin on the kinetics of embryo development and quality of blastocyst during the process of in vitro bovine embryo culture. Bovine cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) were fertilized after in vitro maturation. The presumed zygotes were cultured in in vitro culture medium supplemented with or without 10(-7) M melatonin. The cleavage rate, 8-cell rate and blas...

Unsatisfactory reproductive performance in dairy cows, such as reduced conception rates, in addition to an increased incidence of early embryonic mortality, is reported worldwide and has been associated with a period of negative energy balance (NEB) early post partum. Typically, NEB is associated with biochemical changes such as high non-esterified fatty acid (NEFA), high β-hydroxybutyrate (β-O...