Biochemical studies of growing mouse oocytes: preparation of oocytes and analysis of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase and lactate dehydrogenase activities.

Oocytes at several stages of growth were isolated by enzymatic digestion of ovaries from infant mice. These oocytes were free of follicle cells and were obtained in sufficient numbers to permit direct biochemical analysis of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activities. Both enzymes increase in total activity as the oocyte grows. However, while the specific activity of G6PD remains constant up to an oocyte diameter of 80–85 μm, the specific activity of LDH increases four-fold. The specific activity of G6PD and especially LDH declines in oocytes over 80–85 μm in diameter, suggesting that the synthesis of these enzymes is almost completed at this stage of growth.