Towards the use of microfluidics for individual embryo culture

2010 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
pp. 32 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. L. Krisher ◽  
M. B. Wheeler
Keyword(s):  
Embryo Development ◽  
Embryo Culture ◽  
Physical Culture ◽  
Embryo Production ◽  
Mammalian Embryo ◽  
Future Directions ◽  
Initial Work ◽  
In Vitro Embryo Production

Mammalian embryo development is still relatively inefficient in vitro. Much research has been conducted on the chemical environment, or culture medium, surrounding the embryo, but little attention has been given to the actual physical culture environment, which has changed very little over the years. The application of microfluidics to embryo production in vitro is a tantalising approach that may alleviate some of the limits that traditional microdrop culture places on embryo development and research into gamete and embryo physiology. These devices may lead to enhanced in vitro embryo development and quality by more closely mimicking the in vivo environment. Initial work in this area is promising and gives us proof-of-principle that these unique microfluidic systems may indeed be applicable to in vitro culture of gametes and embryos. The present paper reviews the advantages of microfluidics for in vitro embryo production: how the platforms are manufactured, the current uses of microfluidics in assisted reproduction, static v. dynamic culture environments, individual gamete and embryo culture and the future directions of microfluidic application to in vitro embryo production and manipulation. Finally, preliminary data from our laboratory using a new microfluidic well insert for porcine, bovine and murine embryo culture is discussed.

106 COMPARISON OF IN VITRO EMBRYO PRODUCTION IN PANAMA USING HOLSTEIN OOCYTES WITH BOS INDICUS SEXED SEMEN FROM DONORS IN DIFFERENT LOCATIONS: FIELD DATA

2016 ◽  
Vol 28 (2) ◽  
pp. 183
Author(s):  
S. J. R. Rodriguez ◽  
Y. E. Ramirez ◽  
E. Gomes ◽  
L. F. Nasser ◽  
J. H. F. Pontes ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Embryo Development ◽  
Bos Indicus ◽  
Embryo Production ◽  
University Of Illinois ◽  
Oocyte Collection ◽  
Sexed Semen ◽  
The Usa ◽  
In Vitro Embryo Production ◽  
The University

The objective of this work was to compare in vitro embryo production of Bos taurus × Bos indicus cross embryos using oocytes from Holstein donors under different production and environment systems. This study also examined the possibility for in vitro production using oocytes imported and transported fresh between the USA and Panama. All animals were mature Holstein cows going through a normal lactation. The first group of donors was from the University of Illinois dairy herd and went through 3 ovum pickup sessions. The second group of donors were Holstein cows already adapted to Panama and went through 10 ovum pickup sessions. The Panamanian herd of Holstein donors were born and raised in Panama in an area of mountains, on average 1300 m above sea level. This environment does not have the typical hot and humid tropical weather seen in other regions of Panama. Both groups of donors were aspirated without stimulation during the years 2013 and 2014. Oocytes recovered from donors in Illinois were imported fresh under a special sanitary research protocol between Panama and the University of Illinois. The transport of fresh oocytes from the USA to Panama was done using a portable incubator set at 39°C (Minutube of America). Oocytes were matured during transport in 5-mL tubes (~30–35 oocytes per tube) containing 400 µL of maturation media (TCM-199) that had been equilibrated with 5% CO2. Oocytes recovered from donors in Panama were matured using the same media. For both groups, oocytes were inseminated 24 h after ovum pickup using sexed semen from the same bull. All embryo production procedures followed the protocols of the In vitro Brasil™ commercial system. At 72 h postinsemination, cleavage was evaluated. On Day 7 after insemination, embryo development to the blastocyst stage (early to expanded) was recorded. Data were analysed using Chi-squared. As shown in Table 1, there was no effect of oocyte collection location on embryo development. These results indicate that it is possible to produce a viable in vitro-produced embryo using fresh oocytes collected and transported from different countries. This work opens the possibility to access superior genetics and improve herds in countries seeking to increase their production systems and potentially improve their quality of life. Table 1.Effect of oocyte collection location on embryo development This project was supported by Programa de Competitividad ProCom Senacyt, Panama.

293 EFFECT OF GUAIAZULENE ON IN VITRO BOVINE EMBRYO PRODUCTION

2007 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
pp. 262 ◽  
Author(s):  
I. Dimitriadis ◽  
E. A. Rekka ◽  
E. Vainas ◽  
G. S. Amiridis ◽  
C. A. Rekkas
Keyword(s):  
Lipid Peroxidation ◽  
Embryo Development ◽  
Antioxidant Properties ◽  
Thiobarbituric Acid ◽  
Early Embryo ◽  
Bovine Embryo ◽  
Embryo Production ◽  
Reactive Material

The substrates used in in vitro embryo production (IVP) mimic the in vivo fluids in which oocytes mature, oocytes are fertilized, and the early embryos develop (follicular and oviductal fluid). It is well established that oxidative stress negatively affects in vitro culture (IVC) outcomes. Guaiazulene (G) is a component of chamomile species oil with known antioxidant properties. In the present study, all IVP media were modified by the addition of G solutions so that the former exhibited a total protection against induced lipid peroxidation (TPaLP) similar to that of the respective in vivo environment. The IVP outcomes were then compared between G-processed and control oocytes. Bovine preovulatory follicular (BF) and oviductal (BO) fluid samples were collected from 10 Holstein 4- to 5-year-old cows in estrus. TPaLP was assessed according to the samples' ability to inhibit rat hepatic microsomal lipid peroxidation, by determination of the 2-thiobarbituric acid reactive material. TPaLP (mean % � SEM) of the BF and BO were 70.63 � 10.03 and 16.33 � 4.33, respectively, whereas those of the IVP [in vitro-matured (IVM), in vitro-fertilized (IVF), and IVC] media were lower (17.94 � 1.66, -1.82 � 0.78, and 14.57 � 1.26, respectively). TPaLP of the 0.1 mM G-modified IVP medium increased to 67.2 � 5.85, 19.98 � 2.49, and 69.19 � 6.22, respectively. A total of 2041 class A oocytes were used. The proportion of cleavage, early embryo development (embryos with more than 4 cells), or both after IVP (18 h IVM–5% CO2 in air, and 18 h IVF, 48 h IVC–5% CO2, 10% O2, 85% N) in the presence of G (n = 1237) during each of the IVP phases or any possible combination of IVP phases was compared with the respective control (C, n = 804). Statistical analysis was performed by a chi-squared test; P < 0.05 was considered significant. G improved cleavage and embryo development rates when present during IVM (79.4 and 57.8% vs. 64.5 and 38.2% for C) or both IVM and IVC (78.0 and 60.7% vs. 57.8 and 36.5%, respectively). When present only during 18 h of IVF, G had no effect on embryo production. However, an increased embryo development rate resulted from the combined exposure to G during IVF and IVM (56.4 vs. 29.6%), during IVF and IVC (55.3 vs. 35.5%), or at all IVP phases (56.6 vs. 34.9%). The latter effect resembled the one obtained after G addition only to the IVC medium (62.5 vs. 39.7%, respectively). We concluded that the addition of G to IVP substrates, at concentrations that mimic the in vivo TPaLP conditions, could promote bovine IVP efficiency.

238 KNOCKING DOWN OF THYROID HORMONE RECEPTORS INHIBITS DEVELOPMENT OF EARLY BOVINE EMBRYOS

2013 ◽  
Vol 25 (1) ◽  
pp. 267
Author(s):  
N. Y. Rho ◽  
F. A. Ashkar ◽  
T. Revay ◽  
P. Madan ◽  
W. A. King
Keyword(s):  
Embryo Development ◽  
Reference Genes ◽  
Messenger Rna ◽  
Bovine Embryo ◽  
Bovine Embryos ◽  
Blastocyst Formation ◽  
Embryo Production ◽  
Mrna Transcripts ◽  
In Vitro Embryo Production

Thyroid hormones (TH) play an important role in the physiology of vertebrates, ranging from the regulation of metabolic processes to cell proliferation, differentiation, and embryo development. We have previously shown a beneficial effect of supplementing TH in in vitro embryo production media. Recently, detection of TH receptors (TR) in oocytes and early stages of pre-implantation embryos indicated a possible regulatory role for TH in these stages (unpublished data). The objective of this study was to investigate the importance of TR expression in the pre-attachment bovine embryo in vitro. Bovine embryos, produced by standard in vitro embryo production procedures, were microinjected at the zygote stage with small interfering RNA (siRNA) specifically designed for knocking down either TR-α or TR-β. In addition, groups of zygotes were microinjected with scrambled siRNA (SI) or were not injected (NI), and these groups served as controls. Embryo developmental rates were assessed using light microscopy for blastocyst formation rates and expression of TR messenger RNA (mRNA) transcripts at the blastocyst stage was assessed by quantitative PCR across all groups. Expression of TR mRNA was normalized against glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase, H2a, and 18S as reference genes. There was a significant decrease in blastocyst formation rates in both embryo groups injected with either TR-α (P < 0.002) and TR-β (P < 0.001) siRNA compared with the NI and SI groups. Moreover, the TR-β knockdown group exhibited a lower developmental rate than the TR-α knockdown group, which indicates a stronger inhibitory role for TR-β. Quantification of the level of TR mRNA expression in four groups normalized with three different reference genes shows a consistent significant reduction in the levels of TR-α (P < 0.05) and TR-β (P < 0.02) mRNA transcripts compared with the NI and SI groups. However, TR-β expression was inhibited more than was TR-α expression. In conclusion, the results indicate that knocking down either TR-α or TR-β restrains embryo development. This suggests that TH play a vital role in the regulation of embryo development through their receptors during bovine early embryogenesis. The specific role of each of these receptors and their mechanism of action in mediating development needs to be further elucidated. Funding was provided by CRC, NSERC, and the EmbryoGENE network.

Predictive value of in vitro embryo production characteristics for in vivo fertility of bulls

1997 ◽  
Vol 47 (1) ◽  
pp. 259 ◽  
Author(s):  
L.M.T.E. Lansbergen ◽  
E.H.A.T. Hanenberg ◽  
A.M. van Wagtendonk-de Leeuw
Keyword(s):  
Predictive Value ◽  
Embryo Production ◽  
In Vitro Embryo Production ◽  
Production Characteristics

scholarly journals 279VASCULAR MORPHOMETRY OF BOVINE PLACENTOMES IN LATE GESTATION FROM EMBRYOS PRODUCED IN VIVO OR IN VITRO

2004 ◽  
Vol 16 (2) ◽  
pp. 259
Author(s):  
J.R. Miles ◽  
C.E. Farin ◽  
K.F. Rodriguez ◽  
J.E. Alexander ◽  
P.W. Farin
Keyword(s):  
Blood Vessels ◽  
Maternal Blood ◽  
Volume Density ◽  
Late Gestation ◽  
Embryo Production ◽  
Vascular Volume ◽  
Treatment Groups ◽  
In Vitro Embryo Production

The role of the vascular supply in the development of placentas from embryos produced in vitro is poorly understood. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of in vitro embryo production on morphometry of blood vessels within fetal (cotyledonary) and maternal (caruncular) components of the placentome during late gestation. In vivo-produced embryos were recovered from superovulated Holstein cows on Day 7 after estrus. For in vitro embryo production, oocytes were aspirated from the ovaries of Holstein cows, matured in vitro, and then fertilized. Presumptive zygotes with their cumulus cells were transferred into M-199 with 10% estrus cow serum and cultured for 168h post-insemination. Semen from the same Holstein sire was used for the production of in vivo and in vitro embryos. Single blastocysts from each production system were transferred into the uteri of heifers. On Day 222 of gestation, fetuses and placentas were recovered in utero (in vivo, n=12; in vitro, n=12). Placentomes were collected, fixed and sectioned. Fetal and maternal blood vessels were identified within placentome sections using immunocytochemistry for vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) protein. A total of 4.8×105μm2 of tissue were examined from each placentome. Stereological methods were used to determine the volume densities of fetal and maternal blood vessels. Data were analyzed by GLM procedures. Fetuses were heavier (P=0.03) in the in vitro group (20.7±1.0kg, LS mean±SEM) compared to the in vivo group (17.3±1.0kg). Placentas were also heavier (P=0.06) for the in vitro group (2.5±0.2kg) compared to the in vivo group (2.0±0.2kg). Placental efficiency, calculated as fetal weight/placental weight, was similar between the two treatment groups (9.0±0.5 and 8.9±0.5 for in vivo and in vitro, respectively). Fetal vascular volume density in placentomes was not different between the two treatment groups (5.4±0.3% and 5.4±0.3% for in vivo and in vitro, respectively). In contrast, maternal vascular volume density was greater (P=0.02) for placentomes in the in vitro group (5.9±0.3%) compared to in vivo controls (4.9±0.3%). In summary, compared to placentomes from embryos produced in vivo, placentomes from embryos produced in vitro had similar volume density of fetal vessels, but had significantly increased volume density of maternal vessels. Supported by the State of North Carolina.

97 IN VIVO AND IN VITRO EMBRYO PRODUCTION WITH Y-SEXED SORTED OR CONVENTIONAL SEMEN IN BEEF CATTLE

2014 ◽  
Vol 26 (1) ◽  
pp. 162
Author(s):  
H. Tribulo ◽  
J. Carcedo ◽  
R. Tribulo ◽  
J. Menajovsky ◽  
B. Bernal ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Animal Health ◽  
T Test ◽  
High Fertility ◽  
In Vitro Production ◽  
Embryo Production ◽  
Sexed Semen ◽  
Chi Squared ◽  
In Vitro Embryo Production

An experiment was designed to evaluate in vivo and in vitro embryo production following the use of frozen–thawed conventional or Y-sexed semen from a Brangus bull with known high fertility. For in vivo embryo production, Brangus heifers (n = 12) were superovulated twice in a crossover design and inseminated with sexed or conventional semen. On Day 0, all heifers received an intravaginal progesterone device (DIB 1 g, Syntex S.A., Buenos Aires, Argentina) and 2.5 mg oestradiol benzoate and 50 mg progesterone (Progestar, Syntex S.A.) by intramuscular injection (IM). On Day 4, heifers were superstimulated with 200 mg of NIH-FSH-P1 Folltropin-V (Bioniche Animal Health, Belleville, Ontario, Canada) in twice-daily decreasing doses over 4 days. In the a.m. and p.m. of Day 6, all heifers received PGF2a (Ciclase, Syntex) and DIBs were removed in the p.m.. In the a.m. of Day 8, heifers received 100 μg de Gonadolerin (Gonasyn, Syntex S.A.) and were randomly allocated to receive either one straw of conventional semen (24 × 106 sperm per dose) 12 and 24 h later or two straws of sexed semen (2.4 × 106 sperm per dose) 18 and 24 h after GnRH. Ova/embryos were collected nonsurgically on Day 15 and evaluated following IETS recommendations. Means were compared by t-test. Mean ( ± s.e.m.) number of ova/embryos, fertilized ova, and transferable embryos were 14.8 ± 2.7, 9.4 ± 1.8, and 7.1 ± 1.7 v. 16.8 ± 3.1, 9.9 ± 2.5, and 8.1 ± 2.0 for donors inseminated with conventional or sexed semen, respectively (P > 0.6). For in vitro production, oocytes were obtained from 50 ultrasound-guided follicle aspiration (OPU) sessions that was performed at random stages of the oestrous cycle and without superstimulation in 22 Brangus cows and heifers. Oocytes were classified and matured in TCM-199 medium with NaHCO3 and supplemented with 1% fetal bovine serum. Semen samples from the same bull used for in vivo embryo production were selected using Percoll and capacitated in Fert medium and used at a final concentration of sperm/mL for nonsexed semen and 2 × 106 sperm mL–1 for sexed semen. After 16 h (sexed) or 18 h (conventional) in Fert medium, zygotes were denuded and cultured in SOF supplemented with 0.4% BSA under oil at 37°C, 5% CO2 and saturated humidity for 7 days. The total number of oocytes matured and fertilized was 528 and 318 for conventional and sexed semen, respectively. Means were compared by t-test and proportions by chi-squared test. Mean (± s.e.m.) number of cleaved zygotes and blastocysts produced per OPU session did not differ between conventional (11.0 ± 1.4 and 7.1 ± 1.0) and sexed (8.7 ± 0.8 and 4.9 ± 0.7; P > 0.2) semen. However, the proportion of cleaved zygotes and blastocysts produced were significantly higher (P < 0.05) with conventional semen (61.2%; 329/538 and 39.4%; 212/538) than with sexed semen (54.4%; 173/318 and 30.8%; 98/318), respectively. In conclusion, comparable number of embryos can be obtained in vivo with sexed or conventional semen from a bull with proven high fertility. However, the proportion of blastocysts produced in vitro is likely to be reduced following the use of sexed as compared with conventional semen from the same bull.

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