IN-VITRO MATURATION OF BUFFALO OOCYTES - ROLE OF INSULIN AND ITS INTERACTION WITH GONADOTROPINS

A variety of signals is involved in the acquisition of competence to r esume meiosis in buffalo oocytes. There is evidence that gonadotrophin s are required for the resumption of meiosis and to achieve developmen tal competence. However, the source of the serum supplement also influ ences maturation of buffalo oocytes. Fetal calf serum was more effecti ve at achieving maturational competence compared with oestrous serum. All the changes were found to be supported and strictly regulated by t he somatic cells of the follicle. Further studies revealed that a vari ety of ovarian autocrine and paracrine factors may modulate the matura tion of buffalo oocytes. The role of growth factors, particularly insu lin, in in vitro maturation and granulosa cell differentiation is disc ussed.