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  • Quantification of mtDNA in single oocytes, polar bodies and subcellular components by real-time rapid cycle fluorescence monitored PCR

Zygote

Table of Contents - 2000 - Volume 8, Issue 03  


Quantification of mtDNA in single oocytes, polar bodies and subcellular components by real-time rapid cycle fluorescence monitored PCR

Nury  Steuerwald a1a2, Jason A.  Barritt a1, Rick  Adler a1, Henry  Malter a1, Timothy  Schimmel a1, Jacques  Cohen a1 and Carol A.  Brenner a1c1
a1 Gamete and Embryo Research Laboratory, Institute for Reproductive Medicine and Science of Saint Barnabas, West Orange, NJ 07052, USA.
a2 Department of Biological Sciences, Florida International University, Miami, FL 33199, USA.

Abstract

Oocytes, in general, are greatly enriched in mitochondria to support higher rates of macromolecular synthesis and critical physiological processes characteristic of early development. An inability of these organelles to amplify and/or to accumulate ATP has been linked to developmental abnormality or arrest. The number of mitochondrial genomes present in mature mouse and human metaphase II oocytes was estimated by fluorescent rapid cycle DNA amplification, which is a highly sensitive technique ideally suited to quantitative mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) analysis in individual cells. A considerable degree of variability was observed between individual samples. An overall average of 1.59 × 105 and 3.14 × 105 mtDNA molecules were detected per mouse and human oocyte, respectively. Furthermore, the mtDNA copy number was examined in polar bodies and contrasted with the concentration in their corresponding oocytes. In addition, the density of mtDNA in a cytoplasmic sample was estimated in an attempt to determine the approximate number of mitochondria transferred during clinical cytoplasmic donation procedures as well as to develop a clinical tool for the assessment and selection of oocytes during in vitro fertilisation procedures. However, no correlation was identified between the mtDNA concentration in either polar bodies or cytoplasmic samples and their corresponding oocyte.

(Received December 1 1999)
(Accepted February 18 1900)


Key Words: Mitochondria; Oocyte; Quantification; Rapid cycling; Real-time PCR.

Correspondence:
c1 Gamete and Embryo Research Laboratory, Institute for Reproductive Medicine and Science of Saint Barnabas, West Orange, NJ 07052, USA.

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