Sofie Tanghe
Ghent University
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Publication
Featured researches published by Sofie Tanghe.
Theriogenology | 2003
Sofie Tanghe; Ann Van Soom; Jalil Mehrzad; Dominiek Maes; Luc Duchateau; Aart de Kruif
A mandatory step in performing micromanipulation techniques, studying sperm-oocyte interactions and evaluating morphological aspects of oocyte quality is the removal of cumulus cells from oocytes or zygotes at various stages. In cattle, cumulus removal shortly before fertilization in vitro strongly decreases sperm penetration rates. This study was conducted to evaluate the function of the cumulus oophorus during bovine fertilization in vitro. The importance of cumulus secretions during IVF was investigated by inseminating cumulus-denuded oocytes (CDOs) in fertilization medium supplemented with individual cumulus secretions, such as progesterone or hyaluronic acid. None of these substances increased the fertilization rate of CDOs. However, fertilizing CDOs in cumulus-conditioned medium or on a cumulus monolayer partially restored the reduction in fertilization rate (P<0.05). The fertilization rate of CDOs inseminated on a cumulus monolayer further increased when physical contact between the gametes and the monolayer was prevented by fertilizing them inside a culture plate insert placed on the monolayer (P<0.05). Finally, the importance of reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and O(2) concentration during IVF was studied. Luminol-dependent chemiluminescence revealed a higher ROS load in conditioned medium of cumulus-enclosed oocytes (CEOs) than in that of CDOs after sperm-oocyte co-incubation (P<0.05). Furthermore, lowering the external O(2) concentration from 20 to 5% decreased the fertilization rate of both CEOs and CDOs, but had a higher impact on CEOs (P<0.05). In conclusion, this study provides evidence that the cumulus oophorus benefits the fertilizing ability of penetrating spermatozoa by creating a complex microenvironment of both cumulus secretions and metabolic products around the oocyte. Gap junctional communication between the oocyte and corona cells as well as sperm trapping by the cumulus oophorus seem to be essential factors in supporting fertilization.
Molecular Reproduction and Development | 2002
Sofie Tanghe; Ann Van Soom; Hans Nauwynck; Marc Coryn; Aart de Kruif
Theriogenology | 2005
Tom Rijsselaere; A. Van Soom; Sofie Tanghe; Marc Coryn; D. Maes; A. de Kruif
Reproduction in Domestic Animals | 2002
A. Van Soom; Sofie Tanghe; I De Pauw; D. Maes; A. de Kruif
Journal of Arid Environments | 2005
Wouter Schiettecatte; M. Ouessar; Donald Gabriëls; Sofie Tanghe; S Heirman; F Abdelli
Reproduction in Domestic Animals | 2002
Sofie Tanghe; A. Van Soom; V. Sterckx; D. Maes; A. de Kruif
Molecular Reproduction and Development | 2004
Sofie Tanghe; A. Van Soom; Luc Duchateau; A. de Kruif
Reproduction | 2005
Sofie Tanghe; Geert Vanroose; A. Van Soom; Luc Duchateau; M.T. Ysebaert; P Kerkhofs; Etienne Thiry; S van Drunen Littel-van den Hurk; P Van Oostveldt; Hans Nauwynck
Workshop ‘Gamete function and interaction leading towards embryo development’ | 2001
Sofie Tanghe; Ann Van Soom; Dominiek Maes; Aart de Kruif
Theriogenology | 2001
Sofie Tanghe; Ann Van Soom; Marc Coryn; Hans Laevens; Aart de Kruif