Czech Journal of Animal Science - Online first

The effect of maturation and aging on the quality of mammalian oocytesReview

Andrea Nesvadbova, Jiri Bezdicek, Alexander Makarevich, Ludek Stadnik

Czech J. Anim. Sci., X:X | DOI: 10.17221/77/2026-CJAS  

The aim of this review was to summarise current knowledge regarding the effects of maturation, activation and aging on oocyte quality. Two main forms of aging were distinguished: (i) postovulatory aging, which occurs after ovulation due to a prolonged period before fertilisation and (ii) age-related aging, which is associated with a gradual decline in ovarian reserve and oocyte quality. Proper embryo development strongly depends on oocyte quality, which is most often assessed according to morphology. Numerous observations have demonstrated the influence of oocyte maturation, during which controlled cytoplasmic and nuclear modifications...