Simulated microgravity reduces quality of ovarian follicles and oocytes by disrupting communications of follicle cells.

ABSTRACT: Ovarian follicles are the fundamental structures that support oocyte development, and communications between oocytes and follicle somatic cells are crucial for oogenesis. However, it is unknown that whether exposure to microgravity influences cellular communications and ovarian follicle development, which might be harmful for female fertility. By 3D culturing of ovarian follicles under simulated microgravity (SMG) conditions in a rotating cell culture system, we found that SMG treatment did not affect the survival or general growth of follicles but decreased the quality of cultured follicles released oocytes. Ultrastructure detections by high-resolution imaging showed that the development of cellular communicating structures, including granulosa cell transzonal projections and oocyte micro

SUBMITTER: Cheng K 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9870914 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature