RESUMO
Stem cell factor (SCF) plays important roles in primordial follicle activation, oocyte growth and survival, granulosa cell proliferation, theca cell recruitment, and ovarian steroidogenesis. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of SCF on in vitro growth of buffalo oocytes. Oocyte-granulosa cell complexes (OGCs) were dissected from early antral follicles of slaughtered buffalo ovaries and cultured for 6 days in media supplemented with 0, 50 or 100â¯ng/mL SCF. In vitro grown oocytes were further cultured for in vitro maturation for 24â¯h. The results showed that SCF significantly (Pâ¯<â¯0.05) increased oocyte diameter in vitro. The percentages of surviving oocytes were 60, 81 and 92 in 0, 50 and 100â¯ng/mL SCF supplemented group, respectively. SCF promoted formation of antrum-like structures in culture. The results also showed that SCF enhanced the maturation of in vitro grown buffalo oocytes. Here, 14% in vitro grown oocytes reached metaphase II (MII) stage in 50â¯ng/mL SCF supplemented group, whereas the percentage was increased to 26% in 100â¯ng/mL SCF treated group. These results show that SCF supports the growth, viability and nuclear maturation of buffalo oocytes in vitro.
