US EPA

2181338 

Journal Article 

Abstract 

Effect on maturation and embryonic development of bovine oocyte exposure to PCBs during in vitro maturation 

Pocar, P; Perazzoli, F; Lauria, A; Gandolfi, F 

1999 

1 

Theriogenology
ISSN: 0093-691X 

51 

1 

391 

English 

10.1016/S0093-691X(99)91950-7 

WOS:000077865900251 

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are persistent environmental contaminants and their widespread use and stable molecular structures made them a persistent environmental problem. PCBs may disrupt endocrine functions because of their ability to mimic natural hormones. At present no information are available whether PCBs can affect bovine reproductive efficiency. This study was undertaken to investigate the effect on maturation and embryonic development of bovine oocytes exposure to different concentrations of Aroclor-1254 during in vitro maturation (IVM).

Cumulus-oocytes complexes (COCs) were isolated from follicles with a diameter ranging from 2 to 6 mmand in vitro matured for 24 h at 39 ° C in a humid atmosphere of 5% CO, in air. Various concentration (ranging from 1 to 0.001 Bg/ml) of Aroclor-1254 (Supelco, USA) were added to the maturation medium (TCM 199 supplemented with foetal calf serum, FSH and LH). At the end of IVM oocytes were fertilised in vitro and cultured in TCM 199 supplemented with foetal calf serum and bovine oviduct epithelial cells. Cleavage and blastocyst rates were evaluated on day 2 and 8 post insemination, respectively. Blastocysts cell number was assessed by propidium iodide (Sigma) staining. All experiments were performed at least three times. 

Annual Conference of the International Embryo Transfer Society 

Quebec City, Canada 

January 10–12, 1999