Effects of paclitaxel before vitrification on the nuclear maturation and development of immature porcine oocytes.

BACKGROUND Cryopreservation of porcine oocytes is difficult compared with other species and immature oocytes particularly so compared to the meiotic stage. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the efficacy of a pretreatment with 1 micromole per L paclitaxel (PTX, 30 min exposure) before vitrification to promote the maturation of porcine immature oocytes. MATERIALS AND METHODS Cumulus cell-enclosed oocytes (COs) aspirated from porcine ovaries were divided into three groups: i) non-pretreated with PTX and non-vitrified group (control group); ii) pretreated with PTX and vitrified group (PTX-V group); and iii) non-pretreated with PTX and vitrified group (nPTX-V group). RESULTS The nuclear maturation rate up to the preovulatory stage was significantly lower (P < 0.05) in the nPTX-V group than in the control group, but was similar in the PTX-V and control groups. No significant differences were observed in viability assessed by a normal CO morphology and the embryonic development of oocytes activated by the parthenogenetic stimulation between the PTX-V and control groups, but not the non-PTX-V group. CONCLUSION PTX may promote the maturation of vitrified porcine immature oocytes. Doi.org/10.54680/fr23510110812.