A Comparison of Oocyte Yield between Ultrasound-Guided and Laparoscopic Oocyte Retrieval in Rhesus Macaques
Nadine Piekarski,
Theodore R. Hobbs,
Darla Jacob,
Tiah Schwartz,
Fernanda C. Burch,
Emily C. Mishler,
Jared V. Jensen,
Sacha A. Krieg,
Carol B. Hanna
Affiliations
Nadine Piekarski
Division of Reproductive and Developmental Sciences, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Beaverton, OR 97006, USA
Theodore R. Hobbs
Animal Resources & Research Support, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Beaverton, OR 97006, USA
Darla Jacob
Animal Resources & Research Support, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Beaverton, OR 97006, USA
Tiah Schwartz
Animal Resources & Research Support, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Beaverton, OR 97006, USA
Fernanda C. Burch
Division of Reproductive and Developmental Sciences, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Beaverton, OR 97006, USA
Emily C. Mishler
Division of Reproductive and Developmental Sciences, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Beaverton, OR 97006, USA
Jared V. Jensen
Division of Reproductive and Developmental Sciences, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Beaverton, OR 97006, USA
Sacha A. Krieg
Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA
Carol B. Hanna
Division of Reproductive and Developmental Sciences, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Beaverton, OR 97006, USA
Obtaining quality oocytes is a prerequisite for ART-based studies. Here we describe a method for transabdominal ultrasound-guided (US) oocyte retrieval in rhesus macaques (Macaca mullata) and compare it to the standard surgical approach using laparoscopy (LAP). We analyzed oocyte yield from six continuous reproductive seasons (2017–2023) that included n = 177 US-guided and n = 136 laparoscopic oocyte retrievals. While the ultrasound-guided technique retrieved significantly fewer oocytes on average (LAP: 40 ± 2 vs. US: 27 ± 1), there was no difference in the number of mature metaphase II oocytes (MII) between the two techniques (LAP: 17 ± 1 vs. US: 15 ± 1). We show that oocytes retrieved by the ultrasound-guided approach fertilize at the same rates as those obtained via the laparoscopic procedure (LAP Fert Rate: 84% ± 2% vs. US Fert Rate: 83% ± 2%). In conclusion, minimally invasive ultrasound-guided oocyte retrieval improves animal welfare while delivering equivalent numbers of mature oocytes, which are ideal for ART. Furthermore, we show that oocyte competency, as represented by fertilization rate, is not affected by retrieval technique. Therefore, the Oregon National Primate Research Center (ONPRC) has adopted the ultrasound-guided approach as the standard technique for oocyte retrieval.
