Can the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and total estradiol 17β be used as a marker of equine oocyte maturation?

Authors : Mehmet C. GÜNDÜZ, Güven KAŞIKÇI, Özge Turna YILMAZ, Sinem Ö. ENGİNLER

Pages : 331-335

View : 31 | Download : 5

Publication Date : 0000-00-00

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :The aim of this study was to quantitate vascular endothelial growth factor insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(VEGF); and estradiol-17b in follicular fluid insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(FF); and serum and to correlate the levels of these substances with oocyte maturation. Transvaginal ultrasound-guided follicular aspirations were performed with the purpose of oocyte collection when the follicle was >35 mm in diameter. The mares were divided into 2 groups according to age, and the changes in VEGF and estradiol-17b in follicular fluid and serum were examined. Levels of estradiol-17b in the follicular fluid and serum of young mares insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(4-10 years old); did not differ from those in old mares insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(20-24 years old); insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(P > 0.05);. The follicular fluid and serum concentrations of VEGF in old mares were lower insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(P < 0.001); than those in young mares. The VEGF levels in young mares did not differ in cases when either mature or intermediate oocytes were collected, whereas its levels in old mares were higher insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(P < 0.01); when mature oocytes were collected than when intermediate and immature oocytes were collected. Our data suggest that VEGF may play an important role in follicular growth and development, that VEGF levels appear to be age-dependent, and that VEGF levels might be valuable biochemical markers of oocyte maturation.
Keywords : Key words VEGF, oocyte maturation, follicular fluid, mare