Effects of fatty acid binding protein in the maturation media of bovine oocytes on in vitro embryo development

  • Jessica Looman School of Veterinary Medicine, Texas Tech University, Amarillo, TX, USA
  • Sydney Hickerson School of Veterinary Medicine, Texas Tech University, Amarillo, TX, USA
  • John Gibbons School of Veterinary Medicine, Texas Tech University, Amarillo, TX, USA
DOI: https://doi.org/10.58292/CT.v18.13028
Keywords: Fatty acid binding protein, In vitro maturation, Bovine embryo development

Abstract

Oocytes matured in vitro have higher lipid content and fatty acid binding protein3 (FABP3) may mediate the inter or intracellular transport of lipids and fatty acids. Our aim was to investigate the effects of varying concentrations of FABP3 during in vitro maturation on blastocyst development of oocytes. In Experiment 1, oocytes from abattoir-derived ovaries were matured in media supplemented with 1, 10 or 20 or 0 μg/ml FABP3 (control). In Experiments 2 and 3, oocytes collected via transvaginal aspiration from mature nonlactating Jersey cows (425-500 kg) were matured in media at concentrations with 10 or 20 and 0 μg/ml FABP3 (control; Experiment 2), 1 or 5 and 0 μg/ml, FABP3 (control; Experiment 3). After fertilization and 8 days of culture, cleavage and blastocyst rates were analysed. In Experiment 1, cleavage rate was higher (p < 0.05) in 20 μg/ml group compared to control and 10 μg/ml FABP3 groups. In Experiment 2, cleavage rate was higher (p < 0.05) in control and 10 μg/ml groups compared to 20 μg/ml group and blastocyst development was higher (p < 0.05) in control compared to 20 μg/ml group. In Experiment 3, cleavage and blastocyst development was higher (p < 0.05) in the control group compared to 5 μg/ml group. There was no clear benefit of FABP3 demonstrated among tested concentrations; however, 20 μg/ml during in vitro maturation appeared to be detrimental to cleavage and embryo development in oocytes aspirated from live cows.

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Published
2026-05-07
How to Cite
Looman , J., Hickerson , S., & Gibbons , J. (2026). Effects of fatty acid binding protein in the maturation media of bovine oocytes on in vitro embryo development. Clinical Theriogenology, 18. https://doi.org/10.58292/CT.v18.13028
Issue
Vol. 18 (2026): Issue in progress
Section
Research Reports
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