The antioxidant and metabolic effect of L-carnitine (LC) was evaluated during the in vitro maturation of bovine oocytes on parameters associated with quality: relative amount of lipids, generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), reduced glutathione levels (GSH), mitochondrial activity and competence for embryonic development after fertilization. The cumulus-oocyte complexes were matured for 24 h with and without L-C (3.8 mM), and incubated with the specific fluorophore for each parameter, Nile Red (lipids), Dichlorofluorescein diacetate (EROs), Monoclorobimane (GSH), Mitotracker Green (mitochondria). The intensity of the fluorescence was analyzed with the ImageJ software and normalized to the control group of matured oocytes without L-Carnitine. To determine the competence of the oocyte for embryonic development, the matured oocytes were fertilized and cultured for 8 days. In oocytes m...

The antioxidant and metabolic effect of L-carnitine (LC) was evaluated during the in vitro maturation of bovine oocytes on parameters associated with quality: relative amount of lipids, generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), reduced glutathione levels (GSH), mitochondrial activity and competence for embryonic development after fertilization. The cumulus-oocyte complexes were matured for 24 h with and without L-C (3.8 mM), and incubated with the specific fluorophore for each parameter, Nile Red (lipids), Dichlorofluorescein diacetate (EROs), Monoclorobimane (GSH), Mitotracker Green (mitochondria). The intensity of the fluorescence was analyzed with the ImageJ software and normalized to the control group of matured oocytes without L-Carnitine. To determine the competence of the oocyte for embryonic development, the matured oocytes were fertilized and cultured for 8 days. In oocytes m...