Effects of Essential Fatty Acids during In Vitro Maturation of Porcine Oocytes: Hormone Synthesis and Embryonic Developmental Potential

Abstract

Oocytes maturation is critical factor in determining its developmental potential and embryo quality produced after fertilization, and appropriate steroid and eicosanoid secretion are essential for optimal maturation (Sirard et al., 2006). During folliculogenesis until the LH surge, the concentration of 17β-estradiol (E2) is high in the follicular fluid. Subsequently, the LH surge stimulates the transformation of theca and granulosa cells into luteal cells, which begin to produce progesterone (P4) instead of E2 (Walsh et al., 2012). Therefore, sex steroids (such