Myeloperoxidase and activated macrophages alter metaphase II mouse oocyte quality by disassembly of microtubule organizing center

Abstract

Macrophages, ubiquitous inflammatory cells, are major cellular producers of myeloperoxidase (MPO) and inflammatory mediators, such as cytokines and reactive oxygen species (ROS). Recently we have shown that MPO and ROS from various sources negatively affect oocyte quality, and we hypothesize that disturbance of pericentrin, a key scaffold protein of the microtubule organizing center (MTOC), plays a crucial role in these alterations and may serve as a predictor for oocyte quality. By monitoring changes in pericentrin after exposure to MPO, activated macrophages (AM), and ROS we seek to determine the inflection point at which oocyte quality and functionality are compromised and the mechanism underlying these changes.