Comparative Assessment of Functional and Morphological Markers in Guinea Pig (Cavia porcellus) Oocytes Collected at Different Estrous Cycle Phases

Abstract

The efficiency of in vitro maturation (IVM) in Cavia porcellus remains suboptimal compared to other species. This study aimed to characterize the morphological and functional quality of oocytes based on the stage of the estrous cycle and the classification of the cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) from which they were derived. A total of 744 oocytes were recovered postmortem from females in the diestrus and periovulatory phases. Oocytes were evaluated for metabolic activity, lipid distribution, apoptosis, nuclear maturation, and diameter. Oocytes collected during diestrus exhibited larger diameters and more homogeneous lipid distribution, particularly in oocytes from Type A COCs. In contrast, a higher proportion of BCB+ oocytes and reduced rates of early apoptosis were observed during the periovulatory stage, suggesting enhanced metabolic competence. Nuclear maturation rates varied with both cycle stage and COC classification, with oocytes from Type A COCs showing higher maturation rates in diestrus. These findings indicate that both intrinsic (e.g., morphological quality) and extrinsic (e.g., estrous cycle stage) factors modulated oocyte competence. Selecting oocytes based on integrated morphological and physiological criteria may improve the efficiency of IVM protocols in this species.