Effects of reaggregated granulosa cells and oocytes derived from early antral follicles on the properties of oocytes grown in vitro

In this study, we examined the effects of reconstructed oocyte–granulosa cell complexes (OGCs) on the development of porcine oocytes derived from early antral follicles (EAFs; 0.5–0.7 mm in diameter). When denuded oocytes were cocultured with granulosa cells derived from other EAFs, the oocytes and granulosa cells aggregated to form OGCs after 2 days of culture. After 14 days of culture, we compared cell number, oocyte diameter, and oocyte chromatin configuration in unmanipulated (natural) OGCs, reconstructed OGCs, and OGCs collected from antral follicles (AFs, 3.0–6.0 mm in diameter). The diameters of oocytes from reconstructed OGCs grown in vitro were not different from those of oocytes from natural OGCs, although they were significantly smaller than those of oocytes from antral follicle (AF) OGCs. Oocyte chromatin configuration did not differ among the 3 OGC groups, but the oocyte nuclear maturation rate was lower in the reconstructed OGCs and higher in the AF OGCs. However, when the in vitro culture period for the reconstructed OGCs was extended by 2 days, the nuclear maturation rate of oocytes from reconstructed OGCs was similar to that of oocytes from natural OGCs. In addition, blastocysts were successfully obtained from oocytes from reconstructed OGCs. In conclusion, we established an innovative culture method that allows oocytes and granulosa cells from EAFs to reaggregate as reconstructed OGCs, which yield oocytes with the ability to develop to the blastocyst stage.