Utilization of glutamine for energy and protein synthesis by cultured rabbit follicular oocytes

Follicular oocytes developed in a balanced salt medium containing universally labeled 14C-glutamine and bovine serum albumin, but no carbohydrates or other organic compounds. From the 14CO2 produced and 14C-TCA precipitable material isolated it is suggested that glutamine probably is utilized by oocytes and cumulus cells as a source of energy as well as for protein synthesis. The oocytes produced only about 32% as much 14CO2 as did the associated cumulus cells, but produced 27% more protein.