Papers by Keyword: Oocyte

Abstract: In this study, we used the well in the well (WIW) culture system to study the effect of granulosa cells apoptosis on the cumulus expansion and the developmental competence of bovine oocytes. Results: The apoptosis of granulosa cells affect the cumulus expansion of bovine oocytes significantly. Especially when the percentage of granulosa cells apoptosis exceed 40%, the cumulus expansion was worse. The cumulus expansion affect the oocyte developmental competence of bovine oocytes significantly. The developmental competence of bovine oocyte increases with the increasing of cumulus expansion.

Abstract: In this study, we succeed to establish the well in the well (WIW) culture system. Using this system we studied the effect of floating granulosa cells density on oocyte developmental competence. Results: Apoptosis rate of the floating cells were high (73.576.3%) and did not differ (P > 0.05) among follicles of different sizes. Hatching rates of blastocysts did not differ (P > 0.05) between oocytes cultured in the WIW system (13.3%) and those cultured in the group system (16.3%). In 4-8mm follicles, oocyte developmental competence is higher (P < 0.05) in follicles with 1030×10⁵/mL floating cells than in follicles with < 10 or >30%×10⁵/mL floating cells.

Abstract: In this work, we present the characterisation of an electrothermally actuated microgripper that operates in both dry and liquid media, and shows improved performance versus existing devices. The microgripper, fabricated in a combination of polymeric (SU8) and conductive materials (Au), is able to produce displacements up to 110 μm in air and 30 μm in liquid. In both cases, the voltage and the electrical power required is minimal (less than 3 V and 180 mW respectively) and so both, high temperatures and electrolysis, are prevented. Micromanipulation experiments have successfully demonstrated the gripping, holding and transport of mice oocytes (approx. diameter 100 μm) in a biological media.