| In this study, the effect of atmospheric (20%) and reduced (5%) level of O2 on porcine oocyte maturation, in vitro
fertilization and early embryo development was investigated. The results showed that: reduced O2 concentration results in a lower oocyte
maturation rate than that associated with atmospheric O2 level. However, IVF embryos derived from oocytes cultured with 5% of O2 had a
higher cleavage rate and blastocyst rate, compared to IVF embryos generated from oocytes cultured under atmospheric level of O2. In vitro fertilization that was performed under reduced O2 level results in a higher cleavage rate and blastocyst rate of IVF embryos, compared to that associated with in vitro fertilization performed under atmospheric O2 level. No significant difference in the developmental rate of PA embryos and SCNT embryos was found between 20% and 5% O2 culture condition. However, IVF embryos cultured with 5% of O2 have a higher developmental capacity, compared to IVF embryos cultured with 20% of O2. These results suggested that reduced O2 concentration inhibited oocyte maturation but increased its in vitro fertilization rate, and reduced O2 concentration increased the developmental rate of IVF embryos. |
