Hormone-induced in vitro maturation and ovulation of Danio rerio oocytes and production of eggs capable of fertilization and futher development

Abstract

It is common knowledge that zebrafish, Danio rerio, oocytes in their follicular envelope that have reached definitive size undergo in vitro maturation in 90% Leibovitz’s medium, pH 9.0, when treated with 17α, 20β-dihydroxyprogesterone and acquire developmental competence but do not ovulate (Seki et al., 2008). We have demonstrated that zebrafish oocytes that have undergone maturation under the indicated conditions ovulate when treated with prostaglandin F_2α (5 μg/mL) and/or 20% carp ovarial fluid and are capable of development towards the actively feeding larvae upon fertilization (the maximum follow-up period).