135 EFFECT OF L-ERGOTHIONEINE SUPPLEMENTATION DURING CULTURE ON IN VITRO EMBRYO DEVELOPMENT IN BUFFALO (BUBALUS BUBALIS)

2015 ◽  
Vol 27 (1) ◽  
pp. 160
Author(s):  
G. Zullo ◽  
A. Salzano ◽  
G. Bifulco ◽  
V. Longobardi ◽  
G. Albero ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Oxidative Stress ◽  
In Vitro Culture ◽  
Embryo Development ◽  
Production Efficiency ◽  
Cell Function ◽  
Embryo Viability ◽  
Cleavage Rate ◽  
Mammalian Embryo ◽  
Morphological Criteria

It is known that in vitro mammalian embryo development is negatively affected by the increased oxidative stress occurring under culture conditions. The oxidative damage of cell components via reactive oxygen species interferes with proper cell function. Buffalo embryos are particularly sensitive to oxidative stress because of their high lipid content (Boni et al. 1992 Acta Med. Vet. 38, 153–161). l-Ergothioneine (LE) is a powerful scavenger of hydroxyl radicals (OH) and an inhibitor of iron or copper ion-dependent generation of OH from hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). The aim of this study was to evaluate whether enriching the in vitro-culture medium with LE improves in vitro embryo production efficiency in buffalo. Abattoir-derived buffalo oocytes (n = 854, over 6 replicates) were in vitro matured and fertilized according to standard procedures (Gasparrini et al. 2006 Theriogenology 65, 275–287). Twenty hours after IVF presumptive zygotes were cultured in SOFaa supplemented by 8 mg mL–1 BSA in a controlled gas atmosphere consisting of 5% CO2, 7% O2, 88% N2, in humidified air, at 38.5°C with 0 (control; n = 214), 0.05 mM LE (n = 217), 0.1 mM LE (n = 204), and 1 mM LE (n = 219). Cleavage rate was assessed at the time of change of culture (Day 5) and the cleaved elements were cultured for a further 2 days. The embryos obtained by the end of culture, i.e. on Day 7 post-IVF, were scored for quality, based on morphological criteria, and for developmental stage, as previously described (Robertson, Nelson 2010 Manual of the International Embryo Transfer Society 86–105). The percentages of total transferable embryos and Grade 1 and 2 blastocysts in relation to cleaved oocytes were recorded. Because the chronology of development is known to be one of the most reliable parameters for assessing quality, the percentage of fast-developing embryos, i.e. hatched and expanded blastocysts, was also recorded. Data were analysed by Chi-squared test. Cleavage rate was not affected by the treatment (71.4, 66.8, 68.7, and 63.0%, respectively, with 0, 0.05, 0.1, and 1 mM LE). The total embryo output increased in groups supplemented with 0.05 and 0.1 mM LE (31.3, 42.2, 43.8, and 21.7%, respectively, with 0, 0.05, 0.1, and 1 mM LE; P < 0.05). However, the enrichment of in vitro culture with 0.1 mM LE also increased the percentage of Grade 1 and 2 blastocysts compared with the control and to 1 mM LE (21.6, 30.9, 33.9, and 21.7%, respectively, with 0, 0.05, 0.1, and 1 mM LE; P < 0.05). Likewise, 0.1 mM LE gave higher percentages of fast developing embryos than the control and 1 mM LE groups. In conclusion, these results demonstrated a beneficial effect of LE during culture on buffalo in vitro embryo development. The dose response trial indicated that the optimal concentration is 0.1 mM that also influenced the chronology of development and hence embryo viability.

88 ENRICHMENT OF CULTURE MEDIUM WITH CROCETIN IMPROVES IN VITRO EMBRYO DEVELOPMENT IN CATTLE

2016 ◽  
Vol 28 (2) ◽  
pp. 173
Author(s):  
G. Zullo ◽  
J. E. Tamayo Palacio ◽  
C. De Canditiis ◽  
V. Longobardi ◽  
A. Salzano ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Oxidative Stress ◽  
Embryo Development ◽  
Production Efficiency ◽  
Culture Medium ◽  
Culture Conditions ◽  
Active Components ◽  
Cleavage Rate ◽  
Mammalian Embryo ◽  
Morphological Criteria

The high incidence of developmental failure of bovine in vitro-produced embryos is due to suboptimal culture conditions that induce oxidative stress. Indeed, increased oxidative stress is one of the main factors affecting in vitro mammalian embryo development, decreasing the viability of IVP embryos. It is known that saffron has a powerful antioxidant capacity, mainly due to its active components crocin and crocetin. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether enriching the in vitro culture medium with crocetin improves in vitro embryo production efficiency in cattle. The range of concentrations of crocetin was chosen after a preliminary dose response trial (322 total presumptive zygotes were cultured with 0, 1, 10, and 50 μM, over 2 replicates) that showed beneficial and deleterious effects, respectively, with the lowest and highest concentration compared with the control (36.6 ± 5.6, 57.4 ± 4.5, 46.4 ± 4.4, and 6.8 ± 3.7% blastocyst rates, respectively, with 0, 1, 10, and 50 μM; P < 0.01). Therefore, the range of concentrations to test was reduced. Abattoir-derived bovine oocytes (n = 832, over 4 replicates) were in vitro matured and fertilized according to standard procedures (Rubessa et al. 2011 Theriogenology 76, 1347–1355). Twenty hours after IVF, presumptive zygotes were cultured in SOF medium with 0 (control; n = 208), 1 μM (n = 208), 2.5 μM (n = 208), and 5 μM (n = 208), at 39°C under humidified air with 5% CO2, 7% O2, and 88% N2. The embryos obtained by the end of culture (i.e. on Day 7 post-IVF) were scored for quality, based on morphological criteria, and for developmental stage, as previously described (Robertson and Nelson 2010, Manual of the IETS, 86–105). The percentages of total transferable embryos and grade 1 and 2 blastocysts were recorded. As the chronology of development is a reliable parameter to assess quality, the percentage of fast-developing embryos (i.e. hatched and expanded blastocysts) was also compared among groups. Differences among groups were analysed by ANOVA, and Tukey method was used as a post-hoc test. Data are presented as means ± s.d. The supplementation of crocetin during culture did not affect cleavage rate (74.9 ± 6.3, 76.4 ± 8.4, 81.4 ± 4.3, and 76.4 ± 8.4%, respectively, with 0, 1, 2.5, and 5 μM). However, post-fertilization embryo development improved with 1 µM crocetin compared with the control, both in terms of total embryo output (43.8 ± 4.4, 61.1 ± 5.2, 50.4 ± 6.7, and 53.3 ± 7.3%, respectively, with 0, 1, 2.5, and 5 μM; P < 0.01) and grade 1 and 2 blastocysts (41.0 ± 3.6, 54.3 ± 5.4, 46.2 ± 6.7, and 49.4 ± 6.5%, respectively, with 0, 1, 2.5, and 5 μM; P < 0.05), whereas no differences were observed among the other groups. Moreover, the percentage of fast developing embryos increased with 1 µM (P < 0.05) crocetin compared with the control, with no other differences recorded among groups (17.7 ± 5.8, 34.7 ± 5.7, 24.9 ± 5.1, and 28.7 ± 7.8%, respectively, with 0, 1, 2.5, and 5 μM). In conclusion, these results demonstrated a beneficial effect of low concentrations of crocetin (1 μM) during culture both on blastocyst yield and quality, as indicated by the improved chronology of embryo development.

52 HYALURONIC ACID IMPROVES CRYOTOLERANCE OF BUFFALO (BUBALUS BUBALIS) IN VITRO-DERIVED EMBRYOS

2012 ◽  
Vol 24 (1) ◽  
pp. 138
Author(s):  
L. Boccia ◽  
M. Rubessa ◽  
M. De Blasi ◽  
S. Di Francesco ◽  
G. Albero ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hyaluronic Acid ◽  
In Vitro Culture ◽  
Developmental Stage ◽  
Production Efficiency ◽  
Embryo Quality ◽  
Survival Rates ◽  
Blastocyst Development ◽  
Cleavage Rate ◽  
Morphological Criteria

Although in vitro embryo production efficiency in buffalos has greatly improved over the years, the in vitro-produced embryos show lower viability and resistance to cryopreservation. Therefore, it is necessary to optimize the in vitro culture conditions to improve embryo quality. Hyaluronic acid, a glycosaminoglican present in oviducal and uterine fluids, has been shown to successfully support in vitro development of bovine embryos (Stojkovic et al. 2002 Reproduction 124, 141–153). The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of high concentrations of hyaluronic acid (HA) during late in vitro culture on blastocyst development, as well as on their cryotolerance after cryotop vitrification in buffalos. In vitro matured and fertilized buffalo oocytes (n = 1007) from slaughterhouse ovaries were cultured for 4 days in SOFaa supplemented by 8 mg mL–1 of BSA in a controlled gas atmosphere consisting of 5% CO2, 7% O2 and 88% N2, in humidified air, at 38.5°C. On Day 4, cleavage rate was assessed (75.2%) and all of the cleaved elements were divided into 3 different late culture groups: 8 mg mL–1 of BSA (n = 244; group A), 8 mg mL–1 of BSA supplemented by 6 mg mL–1 of HA (n = 251; group B) and 1 mg mL–1 of BSA supplemented by 6 mg mL–1 of HA (n = 262; group C). On Day 7 after IVF, embryo outcome was assessed and all of the embryos were vitrified by cryotop [De Rosa et al. 2007 Ital. J. Anim. Sci. 6 (Suppl 2), 747–750] and cultured for 24 h. The resistance to cryopreservation was evaluated by assessing the survival rate on the basis of morphological criteria and the percentage of embryos reaching a more advanced developmental stage after 24 h culture. Data were analysed by the chi-square test. No differences in blastocyst rate were recorded among groups (43.9, 44.3 and 40.0%, respectively in A, B and C groups). However, out of the total embryos, a higher percentage of Grade 1 hatched blastocysts (Robertson and Nelson 1998 Manual of the International Embryo Transfer Society 9, 103–16) was observed in group C (P < 0.05) than in groups A and B (14.3, 18.8 and 25.5% in A, B and C groups, respectively). Although the supplementation with HA did not improve the survival rates following vitrification-warming (51.1, 59.4 and 58.4% in A, B and C groups, respectively), the percentage of vitrified-warmed embryos that resumed development and reached a more advanced developmental stage after culture increased (P < 0.01) in group C (20.7, 27.7 and 37.6% in A, B and C groups, respectively). In conclusion, the addition of 6 mg mL–1 of HA, together with a limited protein source (i.e. 1 mg mL–1 of BSA), during late culture improved buffalo embryo quality, indicated by both the greater percentage of advanced-stage embryos and by the resumption of development after post-warming culture.

149 EFFECT OF RESVERATROL ANALOGUE ON DEVELOPMENT OF IN VITRO-FERTILIZED BOVINE EMBRYOS

2017 ◽  
Vol 29 (1) ◽  
pp. 183 ◽  
Author(s):  
T. A. Patrocínio ◽  
C. A. C. Fernandes ◽  
L. S. Amorim ◽  
J. R. Ribeiro ◽  
G. C. Macedo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
In Vitro Culture ◽  
Embryo Development ◽  
Culture Medium ◽  
Synthetic Analogue ◽  
Bovine Embryo ◽  
High Humidity ◽  
Cleavage Rate ◽  
Antioxidant Agents ◽  
Blastocyst Rate

Oxidative stress is one of the main effects of in vitro culture. Generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) by embryos can be enhanced by the sub-optimal in vitro culture conditions and are associated with a delay in embryonic development. However, supplementation of culture medium with antioxidant agents can minimize the effects of ROS (Guérin et al. 2001 Hum. Reprod. Update 7, 175–189). Resveratrol is an example of a potent antioxidant, and modifications in its structure can improve its biological activity. This study evaluated the effect of AR33 (formula with patent pending), an analogue of resveratrol with high antioxidant activity, on embryo development. Bovine cumulus-oocyte complexes recovered from ovaries collected at the slaughterhouse were in vitro matured for 24 h and oocytes were in vitro fertilized for 20 h, both at 38.8°C under 5% CO2 in air and high humidity. Partially denuded presumptive zygotes were randomly distributed in 4 treatments (with 6 replicates): 0 µM (control, n = 347), 0.1 µM (n = 337), 0.5 µM (n = 277), and 2.5 µM (n = 343) of AR33. The base medium was SOFaa supplemented with 2.5% FCS and incubation conditions were 38.8°C under 5% CO2 in air and high humidity. Half of culture medium was renewed (feeding) at Day 3 and 5 post-fertilization. Cleavage was evaluated at Day 3 and blastocyst rates at Day 7 and 8 post-fertilization. Data were analysed by logistic regression considering the significance level of P < 0.05. Values are shown as mean ± SEM. Cleavage rate was higher (P < 0.05) for 2.5 µM (69.0 ± 4.4%) than for 0, 0.1, and 0.5 µM AR33 (62.1 ± 2.0%, 60.7 ± 5.9%, and 56.7 ± 5.8%, respectively). At Day 7, the blastocyst rate was similar (P > 0.05) among 0.1, 0.5, and 2.5 µM (18.1 ± 5.4%, 17.5 ± 2.9%, and 19.4 ± 3.3%, respectively) and all of them were higher (P < 0.05) than 0 µM AR33 (12.4 ± 2.5%). At Day 8, there was again no difference (P > 0.05) among 0.1, 0.5, and 2.5 µM AR33 (21.0 ± 5.0%, 18.4 ± 2.1%, and 24.6 ± 3.3%, respectively) but only 0.1 and 2.5 µM showed higher (P < 0.05) blastocyst rate than 0 µM AR33 (15.2 ± 2.5%). In conclusion, the synthetic analogue of resveratrol tested in this study can improve bovine embryo development in culture medium supplemented with 2.5% FCS under 5% CO2 in air. A concentration of 2.5 µM AR33 can be a choice for further studies. This study was supported by Fapemig, CAPES, and CNPq.

Analysis of Ferrous on Ten-Eleven Translocation Activity and Epigenetic Modifications of Early Mouse Embryos by Fluorescence Microscopy

2016 ◽  
Vol 22 (2) ◽  
pp. 342-348 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ming-Hui Zhao ◽  
Shuang Liang ◽  
Jing Guo ◽  
Jeong-Woo Choi ◽  
Nam-Hyung Kim ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Embryo Development ◽  
Embryoid Body ◽  
Embryonic Stem ◽  
Mouse Embryonic Stem Cell ◽  
Cleavage Rate ◽  
Mammalian Embryo ◽  
Preimplantation Embryo Development ◽  
Oct4 Expression ◽  
Early Mouse

AbstractIron is an essential trace element that plays important roles in the cellular function of all organs and systems. However, the function of Fe(II) in mammalian embryo development is unknown. In this study, we investigated the role of Fe(II) during preimplantation embryo development. Depletion of Fe(II) using thiosemicarbazone-24 (TSC24), a specific Fe(II) chelator, rescued quenching of the Fe(II)-sensitive fluorophore phen green-SK. Afterin vitrofertilization, TSC24 significantly reduced the cleavage rate as well as blastocyst formation. The hatch rate of blastocysts was also reduced with 1 pM TSC24 treatment (20.25±1.86 versus 42.28±12.96%,p<0.05). Blastocysts were cultured in leukemia inhibitory factor-free mouse embryonic stem cell culture medium with or without TSC24, and those with depleted Fe(II) displayed delayed attachment and lost the ability to induce embryoid body formation. To further explore the mechanism of Fe(II) in embryo development, we assessed the expression of 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC) and OCT4 in the pronuclear and blastocyst stages, respectively. We observed that Fe(II) reduced 5hmC and OCT4 expression, which could be explained by low ten-eleven translocation (TET) enzyme activity induced by TSC24 treatment. These findings demonstrate that Fe(II) is required for mammalian embryo development and that it facilitates the process via regulation of TET activity.

Cryotolerance of in vitro-produced porcine blastocysts is improved when using glucose instead of pyruvate and lactate during the first 2 days of embryo culture

2013 ◽  
Vol 25 (5) ◽  
pp. 737 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Castillo-Martín ◽  
M. Yeste ◽  
R. Morató ◽  
T. Mogas ◽  
S. Bonet
Keyword(s):  
Survival Rate ◽  
Treatment Group ◽  
In Vitro Culture ◽  
Embryo Development ◽  
Embryo Culture ◽  
Embryo Quality ◽  
Cleavage Rate ◽  
Apoptosis Index ◽  
Number Of Cells

The objective of the present study was to determine the effects of replacing glucose with pyruvate and lactate during the first 48 h of in vitro culture (IVC) in NCSU-23 medium on embryo development, embryo quality and survival of porcine blastocysts after vitrification. To this end, in vitro-produced (IVP) porcine oocytes were cultured with either glucose for 6 days (IVC-Glu) or pyruvate–lactate from Day 0 to Day 2 and then with glucose until Day 6 (IVC-PyrLac). Blastocysts were vitrified on Day 6 using the Cryotop device and, after warming, survival rate and the apoptosis index were evaluated after 24 h incubation in NCSU-23 medium. No significant differences were observed between IVC-Glu and IVC-PyrLac in terms of cleavage rate, blastocyst yield, total number of cells per blastocyst or the apoptosis index (1.82 ± 0.75% vs 3.18 ± 0.88%, respectively) of non-vitrified embryos. However, a significant increase was seen in hatching/hatched blastocysts in the IVC-PyrLac compared with IVC-Glu treatment group (12.71 ± 1.20% vs 3.54 ± 0.47%, respectively). Regardless of treatment, vitrification impaired the survival rate and the apoptosis index. When comparing both treatments after warming, the percentage of apoptotic cells was significantly higher for blastocysts in the IVC-PyrLac compared with IVC-Glu group (18.55 ± 3.49% vs 9.12 ± 2.17%, respectively). In conclusion, under the conditions of the present study, replacement of glucose with pyruvate–lactate during the first 48 h of culture resulted in a lower cryotolerance of IVP porcine embryos.

94 USE OF β-MERCAPTOETHANOL AND CYSTEINE FOR IN VITRO MATURATION AND CULTURE OF SHEEP EMBRYOS

2012 ◽  
Vol 24 (1) ◽  
pp. 159
Author(s):  
J. Pradiee ◽  
L. L. Viana ◽  
E. C. S. Santos ◽  
A. Gonçalves ◽  
R. G. Mondadori ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Embryo Development ◽  
In Vitro Maturation ◽  
In Vitro Production ◽  
Embryo Viability ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Cleavage Rate ◽  
Chi Squared ◽  
Antibiotic Solution ◽  
The Media

During in vitro production (IVP), embryos are sensitive to suffering negative effects from catabolites, such as reactive oxygen species (ROS). Under physiological conditions, the action of the ROS is blocked by antioxidants such as glutathione, but glutathione's concentration is reduced during the main steps of the IVP process. The objective of the present study is to evaluate the effect of the supplementation of the media for in vitro maturation (IVM) and in vitro culture (IVC) with β-mercaptoethanol and cysteine on the rates of embryo development and viability after vitrification in open pulled straws (OPS). Ten IVP routines were conducted for IVP, using ovaries form pubertal sheep collected in a slaughterhouse. The ovaries were kept in a saline/antibiotic solution at 30°C during transport to the laboratory. The cumulus oophurus–oocytes complexes (COC) selected for IVM were allocated to 2 treatments: T1 (control), including no antioxidants in the IVM and IVC media (n = 676); and T2, including 50 μM β-mercaptoethanol and 600 μM cysteine, in the IVM and IVC media (n = 729). The IVM was conducted using the TCM 199 medium including oestradiol, FSH, LH, pyruvate, heat inactivated sheep serum and antibiotics, for 22 to 24 h. Sperm selection was conducted by swim-up in medium with tris-glucose-citric acid with fresh semen. For IVF, conducted for 18 to 22 h, 1 × 106 spermatozoa per mL were used in SOF medium including 2% heat-inactivated sheep serum. Both IVM and IVF were conducted with incubation with 5% CO2 at 39°C with saturated humidity. After IVF, the probable zygotes were denuded and cultured for 8 days in SOF medium with 0.4% BSA, at 39°C, in bags with 3 gases (5% CO2, 90% N2 and 5% O2). The criteria considered for embryo viability were: cleavage rate at Day 2 (cleaved/inseminated), embryo development at Day 7 (blastocysts/cleaved) and the reexpansion rate 24 h post-vitrification. Such frequencies were compared between treatments by the chi-squared test. The cleavage rate did not differ (P > 0.05) for T1 (60.3%) and T2 (64.3%). The rate of embryro development at Day 7 was also similar (P > 0.05) for T1 (33.6%) and T2 (36.6%). The reexpansion rate for T1 (76.9%) and T2 (54.1%) were also similar (P > 0.05). Thus, supplementation of IVM and IVC media with β-mercaptoethanol and cysteine presented no effect in the development and viability of vitrified sheep embryos. CAPES, MARFRIG Group.

74 Treatment with Melatonin During In Vitro Culture Enhances Porcine Parthenogenetically Activated Embryo Development

2018 ◽  
Vol 30 (1) ◽  
pp. 175
Author(s):  
G. A. Kim ◽  
J.-X. Jin ◽  
S. Lee ◽  
A. Taweechaipaisankul ◽  
B. C. Lee
Keyword(s):  
Oxidative Stress ◽  
Embryo Development ◽  
Developmental Competence ◽  
Free Radical Scavengers ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Cleavage Rate ◽  
Cell Numbers ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Blastocyst Rate

Melatonin and its metabolites are powerful antioxidants and free radical scavengers. Because porcine embryos are vulnerable to oxidative stress in vitro, the addition of various protective chemicals to the culture medium, including melatonin, has been explored. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of melatonin on in vitro developmental competence of porcine parthenogenetically activated (PA) embryos. Immature cumulus–oocyte complexes (COC) were collected and cultured in medium comprising TCM-199 supplemented with 10 ng mL−1 epidermal growth factor, 0.57 mM cysteine, 0.91 mM sodium pyruvate, 5 μL mL−1 insulin, transferrin selenium solution 100×, 10% porcine follicular fluid, 10 IU mL−1 eCG, and 10 IU mL−1 hCG for 44 h. Then, COC were denuded and PA with electrical stimulation, and PA embryos were cultured in porcine zygote medium 5 (PZM-5) supplemented with melatonin at increased concentrations (10−9, 10−7, 10−5 M) at 39°C in a humidified atmosphere of 5% O2, 5% CO2, and 90% N2 for 7 days. Subsequent embryo development, including cleavage rate, blastocyst rate, and blastocyst cell numbers, was compared between groups (mean no. of embryos; control, 27.14; 10−9 M, 28.86; 10−7 M, 27.71; 10−5 M, 26.43). The experiments were repeated 7 times for each treatment group. Statistical analyses of all data were performed using one-way ANOVA with Dunn’s multiple comparison test. Results are expressed as the mean ± SEM and all differences were considered significant at P < 0.05. No apparent effect on cleavage rate of melatonin treatment of various concentrations was noted. Blastocyst cell number did not show any significant difference between groups. However, the potential of PA oocytes to develop into blastocysts was significantly higher in the group supplemented with 10−9 M melatonin compared with the control group (35.44 ± 3.84 v. 24.71 ± 1.59) and other melatonin treated groups (10−5 M, 21.35 ± 2.82; 10−7 M, 24.01 ± 2.31; P < 0.05). These indicated that treatment with 10−9 M melatonin in embryo culture might reduce the oxidative stress properly compared with other concentrations, which results in improvement of blastocyst rate formation. In conclusion, treatment with 10−9 M melatonin positively promoted the blastocyst formation rate of porcine PA embryos with no beneficial effects on their blastocyst cell numbers or cleavage rate. This study was supported by the National Research Foundation (#2015R1C1A2A01054373; 2016M3A9B6903410), Research Institute for Veterinary Science and the BK21 PLUS Program.

Dissection of culture media for embryos: the most important and less important components and characteristics

2008 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
pp. 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
David K. Gardner
Keyword(s):  
New Media ◽  
Embryo Development ◽  
Temporal Dynamics ◽  
Culture Media ◽  
Embryo Viability ◽  
Mammalian Embryo ◽  
Real Time Analysis ◽  
Medium Components

Improvements in culture media formulations have led to an increase in the ability to maintain the mammalian embryo in culture throughout the preimplantation and pre-attachment period. Amino acids and specific macromolecules have been identified as being key medium components, whereas temporal dynamics have been recognised as important media characteristics. Furthermore, other laboratory factors that directly impact embryo development and viability have been identified. Such factors include the use of a reduced oxygen tension, an appropriate incubation system and an adequate prescreening of all contact supplies. With rigourous quality systems in place, it is possible to obtain in vivo rates of embryo development in vitro using new media formulations while maintaining high levels of embryo viability. The future of embryo culture will likely be based on novel culture chips capable of providing temporal dynamics while facilitating real-time analysis of embryo physiology.

126 EFFECT OF REDUCING GLUCOSE CONCENTRATION DURING IN VITRO EMBRYO CULTURE IN BUFFALO (BUBALUS BUBALIS)

2011 ◽  
Vol 23 (1) ◽  
pp. 168 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. V. Suárez Novoa ◽  
S. Di Francesco ◽  
M. Rubessa ◽  
L. Boccia ◽  
V. Longobardi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
In Vitro Culture ◽  
Embryo Development ◽  
Embryo Culture ◽  
Glucose Concentration ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Cleavage Rate ◽  
Group A ◽  
Group B ◽  
Group D

The current knowledge on metabolism and glucose utilisation of preimplantation bovine and ovine embryos suggest the reduction of glucose concentration during early culture. On the contrary, it has been demonstrated that glucose is absolutely required for in vitro culture of buffalo embryos, as indicated by the poor efficiency recorded in the absence of this substrate during early embryonic development (Monaco et al. 2006 Reprod. Domest. Anim. 41, 332). However, complete removal of glucose from culture medium throughout pre-elongation development is unlikely to benefit the embryo because glucose plays other roles including ribose and NADPH production through the pentose-phosphate pathway. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the effect of reducing glucose concentration up to 0.15 mM (1/10 compared to the standard concentration in SOF) on embryo development in buffalo. In order to evaluate the role of this substrate during development, glucose was reduced at different stages of embryo culture. Cumulus–oocyte complexes (n = 573, over 4 replicates), recovered from slaughtered animals, were matured and fertilized in vitro according to our standard procedures (Gasparrini et al. 2006, Theriogenology, 65, 275–287). On day 1 (Day 0 = IVF), zygotes were cultured in SOF with group A) 1.5 mM glucose (standard concentration in SOF) throughout culture (control); group B) 1.5 mM glucose for early culture (Day 1 to Day 4) and 0.15 mM glucose for late culture (Day 4 to Day 7); group C) 0.15 mM glucose throughout culture; and group D) 0.15 mM glucose for early culture and 1.5 mM glucose for subsequent culture. In vitro culture was carried out at 38.5°C under 5% CO2, 7% O2, and 88% N2. Cleavage rate was evaluated on Day 4, and blastocyst yield, in relation to cleaved embryos, was recorded on Day 7. Differences among groups in blastocyst rate were analysed by chi-square test. The reduction of glucose concentration did not affect cleavage rate (73.7 v. 65.1%, respectively, for Groups A-B and C-D). Nevertheless, blastocyst rates significantly decreased when glucose was reduced throughout culture (Group C: 10.1%; P < 0.01) and to a limited degree during early culture (Group D: 17.2%; P < 0.05) compared with the control (Group A: 38.3%). On the contrary, a decreased glucose concentration during late culture did not reduce embryo development (Group B: 35.18%). This finding indicates that energy requirements of buffalo embryos during IVC are different from those of sheep and cattle, which show a significant rise in glucose uptake just around compaction, i.e. during late culture (Thompson et al. 1991 Reprod. Fertil. Dev. 3, 571–576; Thompson et al. 1996 J. Reprod. Fertil. 106, 299–306). In conclusion, in buffalo, unlike sheep and cattle, glucose is more critical for early embryo development than for post-compaction development, suggesting the importance of developing other strategies for optimizing in vitro embryo production efficiency.

133 L-CARNITINE DURING IN VITRO CULTURE ENHANCES THE CRYOTOLERANCE OF BUFFALO (BUBALUS BUBALIS) IN VITRO-DERIVED EMBRYOS

2013 ◽  
Vol 25 (1) ◽  
pp. 214 ◽  
Author(s):  
L. Boccia ◽  
M. De Blasi ◽  
G. Zullo ◽  
V. Longobardi ◽  
D. Vecchio ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
In Vitro Culture ◽  
Culture Media ◽  
Survival Rates ◽  
Bubalus Bubalis ◽  
Carnitine Supplementation ◽  
Blastocyst Development ◽  
Cleavage Rate ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Morphological Criteria

In buffalo, in vitro embryo production (IVEP) technology is the best tool to improve the genetic merit through the maternal lineage. A major limitation of IVEP technology in buffalo species is the poor cryotolerance of the embryos, likely due to their high lipid content (Gasparrini 2002 Theriogenology 57, 237–256). It was previously demonstrated that supplementing bovine culture media with L-carnitine, a cofactor of β-oxidation, improves in vitro embryo development (Sutton-McDowall et al. 2012 Theriogenology 77, 1632–1641). The aim of this work was to evaluate whether L-carnitine supplementation during in vitro culture (IVC) improves blastocyst development and cryotolerance of in vitro produced buffalo embryos. After a preliminary dose response trial, we selected the concentration of 0.25 mM for the experiment. Cumulus–oocytes complexes (n = 288, over 4 replicates), recovered from slaughtered animals, were matured and fertilized in vitro according to our standard procedures (Gasparrini et al. 2006 Theriogenology 65, 275–287). On Day 1 (Day 0 = IVF), zygotes were cultured in SOF supplemented with 8 mg mL–1 BSA, in the absence (control, n = 143) or presence of 0.25 mM L-carnitine (n = 145). In vitro culture was carried out at 38.5°C under 5% CO2, 7% O2, and 88% N2. Cleavage rate was evaluated on Day 5, when the cleaved embryos were transferred into fresh medium for further 2 days. On Day 7 after IVF, embryo outcome was assessed and all the embryos were vitrified by cryotop in 16.5% ethylene glycol, 16.5% dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), and 0.5 M sucrose (De Rosa et al. 2007 Ital. J. Anim. Sci. 6(Suppl 2), 747–750). The resistance to cryopreservation was evaluated by assessing the survival rate, on the basis of morphological criteria, after 24 h culture. Data were analyzed by chi-square test. No differences were found in cleavage rates between the control (81.5%) and the L-carnitine group (78.8%). The blastocyst yields (calculated in relation to the cleaved embryos) were not significantly influenced by the L-carnitine treatment (40.2 and 52.9%, in the control and the L-carnitine groups, respectively). However, buffalo embryos cultured in the presence of L-carnitine showed an increased resistance to cryopreservation, as indicated by the higher survival rates recorded after 24 h culture (78.7 and 96.4%, in the control and the L-carnitine groups, respectively; P < 0.01). In conclusion, these results demonstrated that L-carnitine supplementation of culture medium improves the resistance to cryopreservation of in vitro produced buffalo embryos. We speculate that the increased cryotolerance observed in the presence of L-carnitine may be due to a better utilization of the endogenous lipid stores, resulting in improved embryo quality.

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