Glucose can reverse the effects of acute fasting on mouse ovulation and oocyte maturation
Jun Yan A , Bo Zhou A , Jie Yang A , Ping Tai A , Xiufen Chen A , Hua Zhang A , Meijia Zhang A and Guoliang Xia A BA State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100094, People’s Republic of China.
B Corresponding author. Email: glxiachina@sohu.com
Reproduction, Fertility and Development 20(6) 703-712 https://doi.org/10.1071/RD08034
Submitted: 21 February 2008 Accepted: 26 May 2008 Published: 9 July 2008
Abstract
Food deprivation suppresses ovulation. Although nutritional elements are responsible for this suppression, it is not clear whether energy metabolism has any effect on oocyte development under these circumstances. The aim of the present study was to determine which nutritional element is responsible for the effect of acute fasting on mouse ovulation and how oocyte development is affected. The results demonstrate that 64 h food deprivation blocks mouse ovulation. This was reversed by glucose feeding, oil feeding or short-term feeding, all of which elevated serum glucose levels. Furthermore, 48 h food deprivation inhibited follicle-stimulating hormone-induced oocyte maturation in vitro. However, 48 h glucose feeding increased serum glucose levels and restored oocyte maturation. Food deprivation increased serum progesterone levels and decreased serum oestradiol levels. Food deprivation also impaired follicle development, caused the death of oocytes and attenuated glucose consumption by cumulus–oocyte complexes. Taken together, the results indicate that: (1) the suppression of ovulation by acute fasting may be due to the control of oocyte development; and (2) maintaining serum glucose concentrations at a certain level is important for normal ovulation.
Additional keyword: nutrition.
Acknowledgements
This research was supported by the National Basic Research Program of China (Project no. 2007CB947401, 2004CB117502) and the Chinese Natural Science Foundation (No. 30571358).
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