Melatonin improves the quality of maternally aged oocytes by maintaining intercellular communication and antioxidant metabolite supply.

ABSTRACT: In mammalian ovaries, oocytes are physically coupled to somatic granulosa cells, and this coupling is crucial for the growth and development of competent oocytes as it mediates the transfer of metabolic support molecules. However, aging-mediated dysregulation in communication between the oocytes and granulosa cells affects the oocyte quality. In the present study, we examined the defected germline-soma communication and reduced mRNA levels encoding key structural components of transzonal projections (TZPs) in maternally aged oocytes. Oral administration of melatonin to aged mice substantially increased TZPs and maintained the cumulus cells-oocyte communication, which played a central role in the production of adequate oocyte ATP levels and reducing the accumulation of reactive oxygen speci

SUBMITTER: Zhang H 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8688718 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature