A follicular spike in cyclic AMP (cAMP) and its subsequent degradation to AMP promotes oocyte maturation and ovulation. In vitro matured (IVM) oocytes do not receive the cAMP increase that occurs in vivo, and artificial elevation of cAMP in IVM cumulus-oocyte complexes improves oocyte developmental potential. This study examined whether mouse oocytes can use the cAMP degradation product AMP to generate ATP via the adenosine salvage pathway, and examined whether pharmacological elevation of cAMP in IVM cumulus-oocyte complexes alters ATP levels. Oocytes cultured with isotopic ¹³C₅-AMP dose-dependently produced ¹³C₅-ATP, however total cellular ATP remained constant. Pharmacological elevation of cAMP using forskolin and IBMX prior to IVM decreased oocyte ATP and ATP:ADP ratio, and promoted activity of the energy regulator AMPK. Conversely, cumulus cells exhibited higher ATP and no change in AMPK. Culture of oocytes without their cumulus cells or inhibition of their gap-junctional communication yielded lower oocyte ¹³C₅-ATP, indicating that cumulus cells facilitate ATP production via the adenosine salvage pathway. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that mouse oocytes can generate ATP from AMP via the adenosine salvage pathway, and cAMP elevation alters adenine nucleotide metabolism and may provide AMP for energy production via the adenosine salvage pathway during the energetically demanding process of meiotic maturation.

Maternal B-vitamin status and homocysteinemia can affect fertility and pregnancy establishment, although the direct effects on ovarian follicle and o

Insulin like growth factor1(IGF-1) is an essential growth factor that mediates the growth-promoting functions of pituitary growth hormone. Insulin like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF1R) is a tyrosine kinase receptor that mediates the actions of IGF1. Therefore, IGF1R is a candidate gene for examining SNPs linked with growth and production traits. The objective of this study was to detect the c.546 + 179170A > T transversion in intron 2 of the gene encoding IGF1R in two goat breeds, Attappady Black and Malabari, and examine the association of this polymorphism with growth and milk production. For the identification of the SNP, the T-ARMS-PCR was utilized. All three genotypes were present in the two investigated breeds. The polymorphism was found to be significantly (p < 0.05) linked with growth traits. At birth, 3 and 6 months of age, Attappady goats with the AT genotype had significantly (p < 0.05) higher body weights than those with the AA and TT genotypes. Malabari goats with the AT genotype had significantly (p < 0.05) higher body weights at birth and at 3 months of age. The genotypes of the IGF1R gene had no effect on total or peak milk production. Therefore, this SNP could be used as a molecular marker in selection of meat-producing goat breeds.

A study was conducted in cross-bred (CB) Malabari goats of Southern India, Kerala to assess the pattern of change in biochemical constituents of follicular fluid during final stages of follicle development. One hundred and twenty goat ovaries were collected from local slaughter houses. After classifying the antral follicles based on size i.e. small (1–3 mm) and large (3–6 mm), the follicular fluid was aspirated and analysed to estimate the concentration of various biochemical constituents including total protein, albumin, globulin, glucose, triglycerides, cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and steroid hormones. The results showed that the concentration of glucose in follicular fluid was significantly higher (p < 0.05) in small follicles compared the large ones. However, the level of HDL and oestrogen was significantly higher (p < 0.05) in large follicles. Follicular fluid protein, albumin, globulin, triglycerides, cholesterol, and progesterone did not differ significantly between the small and large follicles. The results of the present study suggest that the biochemical constituents in the antral follicular fluid vary with the follicular size and the data would contribute to better understanding of the follicular fluid metabolite dynamics of goat ovarian follicles which imparts oocyte competence for fertilization during later developmental stages.