Oocyte maturation-related gene expression in the canine oviduct cumulus cells and oocytes and effect of co-culture with oviduct cells on in vitro maturation of oocytes

摘要

PurposeIn contrast to most other mammals, canine oocytes are ovulated in an immature state and undergo oocyte maturation within the oviduct during the estrus stage. The aim of the study was to investigate whether oviduct cells from the estrus stage affect the maturation of oocytes and show gene expression patterns related to oocyte maturation.