Oocyte Denuding

Abstract

The term oocyte denuding refers to the removal of the somatic cell layers that surround the oocytes. During the preovulatory growth, within the follicle, the oocyte is surrounded by two different cell layers: granulosa and thecal cells that sustain oocyte nutrition and maturation providing essential metabolites, hormones, and growth factors. However, the oocentric perspective of folliculogenesis highlights the central role of the oocyte itself in directing its own development as well as the follicle differentiation. In this regard, the oocyte is deemed capable of modulating the follicular environment in order to guarantee correct preantral, antral, and preovulatory development.