163 DOMESTIC CAT (FELIS CATUS) EMBRYO CRYOPRESERVATION: SLOW-COOLING VERSUS VITRIFICATION

2009 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
pp. 180 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. J. Pedersen ◽  
C. A. Watson ◽  
B. A. Blevins ◽  
N. M. Loskutoff

A variety of small domestic or nondomestic felid species have been produced from cryopreserved embryos using slow-cooling (controlled rate) cryopreservation methods (Pope et al. 2006 Theriogenology 66, 59–71; 1518–1524). However, in our laboratory these methods have not been as successful as vitrification in freezing in vitro-derived embryos of larger felid species such as tigers, Panthera tigris spp. (Crichton et al. 2000 Theriogenology 53, 238). The objective of this study was to examine the effects of slow-cooling cryopreservation v. vitrification methods on the developmental competence of in vitro-produced 2- to 4-celled domestic cat embryos as compared to non-frozen controls. Mature tomcat testicles and queen ovaries were collected from local veterinary clinics. Epididymal sperm were processed using one of three methods according to availability and time of use: 1) freshly washed if used the same day for IVF, 2) stored in cooled, non-electrolyte medium (Pope et al. 2000 ICAR Proc. 2, 191) if used within one week, or 3) frozen according to Tebet et al. (2006 Theriogenology 66, 1629–1632). Batches of oocytes were inseminated with the same pool and type of processed sperm per replicate. All in vitro maturation (IVM), in vitro fertilization (IVF), and in vitro culture (IVC) procedures followed those previously reported (Pope et al. 2000 Theriogenology 53, 163–174). After 48 h in IVC, 2- to 4-celled embryos were equally divided into the three groups: 1) control, non-frozen; 2) slow-cooling cryopreservation using propanediol and sucrose; and 3) vitrification using DMSO, ethylene glycol and sucrose. The cryopreservation/thawing procedure followed that of Gomez et al. (2003) and the vitrification/warming procedure followed that of Vajta et al. (2000 Anim. Reprod. Sci. 60, 357–364). Results were recorded as the percentages of blastocyst formations at Day 8 of IVC and were compared between groups using chi-square analysis. In March 2000 to 2001, 806 feline oocytes were recovered from 101 ovaries and 286 blastocysts were obtained on Day 8 IVC in seven replicates. There were no significant differences in the numbers of degenerated embryos (2- to 8-celled) or morulae in all three groups (P > 0.05). There were more blastocysts that developed in the non-frozen control group (45/97; 46.4%), but this was not statistically different (P > 0.05) from the cryopreserved group (37/91; 40.7%). However, there were significantly more blastocysts (P < 0.01) produced in the non-frozen control group than the vitrified group (28/98, 28.6%). There were no differences between the cryopreserved and vitrified groups (P > 0.05). In conclusion, this study verifies previous reports that slow, or controlled-rate cryopreservation is effective for domestic cat embryos. Vitrification is less effective, as compared to non-frozen control embryos, but this may be improved with modified protocols.

Animals ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (6) ◽  
pp. 329 ◽  
Author(s):  
Martina Colombo ◽  
Maria Giorgia Morselli ◽  
Mariana Riboli Tavares ◽  
Maricy Apparicio ◽  
Gaia Cecilia Luvoni

Cryoinjuries severely affect the competence of vitrified oocytes (VOs) to develop into embryos after warming. The use of culture conditions that provide physical and chemical support and resemble the in vivo microenvironment in which oocytes develop, such as 3D scaffolds and coculture systems, might be useful to improve VOs outcomes. In this study, an enriched culture system of 3D barium alginate microcapsules was employed for the in vitro embryo production of domestic cat VOs. Cryotop vitrified-warmed oocytes were in vitro matured for 24 h in the 3D system with or without fresh cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) in coculture, whereas a control group of VOs was cultured in traditional 2D microdrops of medium. After in vitro fertilization, presumptive embryos were cultured in 3D or 2D systems according to the maturation conditions. Vitrified oocytes were able to mature and develop into embryos in 3D microcapsules (17.42 ± 11.83%) as well as in 2D microdrops (14.96 ± 8.80%), but the coculture with companion COCs in 3D resulted in similar proportions of VOs embryo development (18.39 ± 16.67%; p = 1.00), although COCs presence allowed for blastocyst formation (0.95 ± 2.52%). In conclusion, embryos until late developmental stages were obtained from cat VOs, and 3D microcapsules were comparable to 2D microdrops, but improvements in post-warming conditions are still needed.


2016 ◽  
Vol 28 (2) ◽  
pp. 210
Author(s):  
P. Hugon ◽  
J. Lamy ◽  
E. Corbin ◽  
P. Mermillod ◽  
M. Saint-Dizier

This study was designed to evaluate the effects of oviductal fluid at different periovulatory times on oocyte maturation, modification of the zona pellucida (ZP), fertilization and embryo development. Bovine oviducts were collected at a slaughterhouse and classified as preovulatory (pre-ov: 1 pre-ov follicle and a regressing corpus luteum) or post-ovulatory (post-ov: a corpus haemorrhagicum or recent corpus luteum; n = 10 cows/stage). Both oviducts were flushed with 1 mL of sterile TCM-199, and oviductal flushes (OF) were aliquoted and stored at –80°C. Abattoir-derived bovine ovaries were aspirated and cumulus‐oocyte complexes (COC) with at least 3 cumulus layers and homogeneous oocyte cytoplasm were in vitro matured for 22 h in standard maturation medium (control group, n = 319) or in standard medium with 2× concentrated additives supplemented (50% v/v) with pre-ov OF (n = 255) or post-ov OF (n = 248). After in vitro maturation (IVM), subgroups of COC were denuded, and the time of digestion of the ZP by pronase 0.1% (v/v in TCM-199) was determined to evaluate ZP hardening. After IVM, COC were fertilised in vitro for 18–20 h at a final concentration of 1.106 million spermatozoa (spz)/mL. After in vitro fertilization (IVF), COC were denuded, washed twice and cultured for 8 days more under standard conditions. After IVM, IVF, and embryo culture, oocytes/embryos were fixed with ethanol, stained with Hoescht, and examined under fluorescence microscopy for determination of (1) maturation and developmental stages, (2) numbers of fertilised and polyspermic oocytes, and (3) spz bound to the ZP. Percentages were compared between groups by chi-square. Times of ZP digestion were compared by Kruskal‐Wallis test. Numbers of spz bound to the ZP were compared by ANOVA on normalised data followed by Newman-Keuls tests. Data are presented as mean ± SEM. A P < 0.05 was considered significant. Addition of OF during IVM had no effect on maturation rates compared with the control. However, the digestion time of the ZP by pronase was reduced after IVM with pre-ov OF (313 ± 21 s; n = 26) compared with post-ov OF (459 ± 23 s; n = 23) but not with the control (416 ± 30 s; n = 25). After IVF, the number of spermatozoa bound to the ZP was increased after IVM with pre-ov OF (57 ± 5 spz/oocyte; n = 67) and decreased after IVM with post-ov OF (34 ± 3 spz/oocyte; n = 76) compared with the control (42 ± 5 spz/oocyte; n = 60). Addition of OF during IVM had no effect on rates of IVF and polyspermia. However, the rate of development to the blastocyst stage was less after IVM with post-ov OF (10%, n = 97 cleaved oocytes) compared with control (24%, n = 130) and pre-ov OF (29%, n = 101). In conclusion, the OF collected before ovulation decreased the resistance of the ZP to protease digestion and increased its ability to bind spz, whereas it was the opposite for the post-ov OF. Furthermore, the post-ov OF decreased the developmental competence of fertilised oocytes.


2009 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
pp. 127
Author(s):  
A. Thongphakdee ◽  
S. Manee-in ◽  
N. Klincumhom ◽  
B. Siriaroonrat ◽  
S. Kamolnorranarth ◽  
...  

The objectives of the study were to investigate (1) the effect of individual cell line and gender of donor cells on flat-headed cat (FC) cloned embryo production (Study I) and (2) pregnancy establishment of recipients receiving cloned FC embryos with or without domestic cat (DC) IVF embryo co-transfer. The DC IVF embryos were used as a control (Study II). Study I Three cell lines of FC fibroblasts (passage 3–5) collected from 2 females (L1 and L2; biopsied from muscle and skin, respectively) and a male (L3; biopsied from skin) were used as donor cells for nuclear transfer. Donor cells were fused with enucleated in vitro matured DC oocytes. Fused couplets were induced by electrical pulses and subsequently incubated in activation medium containing 10 μg mL–1 cycloheximide and 5 μg mL–1 cytochalasin B for 4 h. Reconstructed embryos were cultured in SOFaa medium supplemented with 5% fetal bovine serum (FBS) at 38.5°C in air, and monitored for 7 days. Differences in the percentages of fusion and embryo development to a particular stage between cell lines and genders of donor cells were determined by chi-square analysis. Variations of fusion efficiency and embryo developmental success were observed between the cell lines. Greater cleavage number (P < 0.05) was observed when L1 was used as donor cells than that of L2 and L3. Developmental success to morula stage of embryo reconstructed from L1 was greater (P < 0.05) than that of L3 but not L2 (P > 0.05). However, there was no difference in the blastocyst formation success among cell lines. The development of the embryos derived from female and male donor cells at subsequent stages was not different. Study II Estrus and ovulation were induced in 15 DC recipients using 100 to 150 IU of pregnant mare serum gonadotropin (PMSG) and 100 IU of hCG (subcutaneous injection). Recipients were divided into 3 groups; (1) cloned group (n = 5) receiving FC cloned embryos (mean 41.4 ± 13), (2) co-transferred group (n = 4) receiving FC cloned and DC IVF embryos (mean 55 ± 15; 43.3 ± 15 of FC cloned and 10.8 ± 1.5 of DC IVF embryos), and (3) IVF/control group (n = 6) receiving only DC IVF embryos (mean 25 ± 9). Control DC IVF embryos were produced by co-incubation of DC oocytes with fresh DC semen for 18 h. Day 1 embryos were transferred into oviducts of recipients. Pregnancy evaluation using ultrasonography at Day 30 post-transfer demonstrated that pregnancy was not observed in any recipients in cloned group. One recipient from co-transferred group became pregnant and delivered DC IVF stillbirths (n = 2) and live kittens (n = 6). All recipients in IVF group became pregnant and 3 recipients delivered 5 DC kittens. These results indicate that (1) the individual cell line but not the gender of donor cells influences the development of FC cloned embryos and (2) with or without co-transfer of FC cloned and DC IVF embryos, FC cloned offspring was not able to be produced in the study. Table 1.Developmental success of FC cloned embryos This study was supported by the Zoological Park Organization under the Royal Patronage of H.M. the King, and the Reproductive Biotechnology Research Unit, Chulalongkorn University. A. Thongphakdee is supported by the Royal Golden Jubilee Ph.D. Program, and the Thailand Research Fund.


Biology ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (11) ◽  
pp. 1101
Author(s):  
Daniela Bebbere ◽  
Stefano Mario Nieddu ◽  
Federica Ariu ◽  
Davide Piras ◽  
Sergio Ledda

In vitro oocyte maturation (IVM) is a well-established technique. Despite the high IVM rates obtained in most mammalian species, the developmental competence of IVM oocytes is suboptimal. The aim of this work was to evaluate the potential beneficial effects of a liquid marble microbioreactor (LM) as a 3D culture system to mature in vitro prepubertal ovine oocytes, as models of oocytes with intrinsic low competence. Cumulus–oocyte complexes of prepubertal sheep ovaries were in vitro matured in a LM system with hydrophobic fumed-silica-nanoparticles (LM group) or in standard conditions (4W control group). We evaluated: (a) maturation and (b) developmental rates following in vitro fertilization (IVF) and embryo culture; (c) expression of a panel of genes. LM and 4W groups showed similar IVM and IVF rates, while in vitro development to blastocyst stage approached significance (4W: 14.1% vs. LM: 28.3%; p = 0.066). The expression of GDF9, of enzymes involved in DNA methylation reprogramming and of the subcortical maternal complex was affected by the IVM system, while no difference was observed in terms of cell-stress-response. LM microbioreactors provide a suitable microenvironment to induce prepubertal sheep oocyte IVM and should be considered to enhance the developmental competence of oocytes with reduced potential also in other species, including humans.


2021 ◽  
pp. 123-126
Author(s):  
Karisma Mardatillah ◽  
Rini Widyastuti ◽  
Diah Nugrahani Pristihadi ◽  
Wahyudin ◽  
Sigit Prastowo ◽  
...  

Oocyte competence is a determining factor that influences the embryo development. Embryos produced in vitro have a reduced developmental competence than embryos produced in vivo. Therefore, human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG) injection was carried out to improve the quality of the oocytes. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of ovarian stimulation with hCG before ovary collection on oocyte quality in the domestic cat. Oocyte donors were either 1) treated with a single dose of 200 IU hCG four days before ovary collection (hCG group), or, 2) no treatment before ovary collection (control group). The oocytes were collected by the slicing method. Immature cumulus oophorus complexes (COCs) from both groups were pooled and matured in vitro for 24-26 hours. Then mature oocytes were fertilized with epididymal sperm and cultured in vitro for seven days. The results study showed that the number of the dominant follicle (DF) and the number of COCs in the hCG group was higher than the control group in right and left ovaries (p<0.05). The morulae and blastocyst rates from cleavage embryos were 88% and 75%, respectively. These results demonstrate that hCG priming of oocytes donors before ovary collection improve oocyte quality.


2011 ◽  
Vol 23 (1) ◽  
pp. 167
Author(s):  
M. De Blasi ◽  
M. Rubessa ◽  
L. Boccia ◽  
S. Di Francesco ◽  
M. V. Suárez Novoa ◽  
...  

Removal of cumulus cells is necessary for several technologies such as vitrification, intracytoplasmic sperm injection, and nuclear transfer. However, it is known that the presence of cumulus cells during IVF of buffalo oocytes is fundamental for fertilization and embryo development (Gasparrini et al. 2007 Anim. Reprod. Sci. 98, 335–342; Nandi et al. 1998 Theriogenology 50, 1251–1262). The aim of this work was to evaluate whether co-culture with intact bovine cumulus–oocyte complexes (COC) during IVF would restore the developmental competence of denuded buffalo oocytes. Due to the scarce availability of buffalo ovaries, the somatic support was provided by bovine cumulus cells. Abattoir-derived COC were matured in vitro according to our standard procedures (Gasparrini et al. 2006, Theriogenology, 65, 275–287) and randomly distributed in 3 fertilization groups: 1) a control group of COC (n = 122), 2) a negative control of denuded oocytes (DO; n = 119), and 3) DO co-cultured with in vitro matured bovine COC (DO+COC; n = 103) in a 1:1 ratio (3 bovine COC + 3 denuded buffalo oocytes/50 μL drop). Fertilization was carried out with frozen–thawed spermatozoa from a tested bull in TALP medium supplemented by 0.2 mM penicillamine, 0.1 mM hypotaurine, and 0.01 mM heparin at 38.5°C under a controlled gas atmosphere of 5% CO2 in humidified air. After fertilization the zygotes were cultured in SOF medium including essential and nonessential amino acids and 8 mg mL–1 BSA, at 38.5°C under humidified 5% CO2, 7% O2, and 88% N2, up to the blastocyst stage. On Day 5 and on Day 7 (Day 0 = IVF) cleavage and blastocyst rates were respectively recorded. Data were analysed by chi-square test. As expected, cleavage and blastocyst rates were lower (P < 0.01) in DO (36.1 and 9.2%, respectively) compared with the control (67.2 and 27.1%, respectively). However, co-culture during IVF (DO+COC) significantly increased (P < 0.01) both parameters compared with DO, giving cleavage (70.9%) and blastocyst (27.2%) rates similar to the control. The results of this study demonstrated that co-culture with bovine intact COC during IVF of buffalo denuded oocytes completely restores their fertilizing capability and blastocyst developmental competence. We conclude that this may be a suitable strategy for preserving the developmental competence of oocytes devolved to technologies, such as oocyte vitrification, that require cumulus removal.


2016 ◽  
pp. 137-139
Author(s):  
K.P. Golovatyuk ◽  

The objective: was to investigate the levels of cytokines IL-4 and IL-17 in serum and conditioned medium cultures of blood mononuclear cells (MNC) and evaluation association between their products and miscarriage, which occurred in IVF cycles. Patients and methods. We observed 240 patients with recurrent miscarriage, came in IVF cycles, and 100 apparently healthy fertile women in the control group. The concentrations of IL-4 and IL-17 in serum and conditioned medium of MNC cultures were determined. Results. The levels of IL-4 in the serum and conditioned medium in spontaneous and stimulated mitogen secretion was not significantly different from those in the control group, whereas IL-17 levels were higher than those in the control group serum, in conditioned media of stimulated and non-stimulated MNCs. Conclusion. Disregulation of activity of circulating blood mononuclear cells in women with recurrent miscarriage that followed IVF, is accompanied by increased secretion of IL-17 and almost constant production of IL-4 on the back of high stimulation index of production of these cytokines. Key words: in vitro fertilization, miscarriage, interleukin-4, interleukin-17, serum stimulated and non-stimulated mononuclear blood.


Zygote ◽  
2020 ◽  
pp. 1-5
Author(s):  
Li Ang ◽  
Cao Haixia ◽  
Li Hongxia ◽  
Li Ruijiao ◽  
Guo Xingping ◽  
...  

Summary The present study investigated the effects of c-type natriuretic peptide (CNP) on the development of murine preantral follicles during in vitro growth (IVG). Preantral follicles isolated from ovaries of Kunming mice were cultured in vitro. In the culture system, CNP was supplemented in the experimental groups and omitted in the control groups. In Experiment 1, CNP was only supplemented at the early stage and follicle development was evaluated. In Experiments 2 and 3, CNP was supplemented during the whole period of in vitro culture. In Experiment 2, follicle development and oocyte maturity were evaluated. In Experiment 3, follicle development and embryo cleavage after in vitro fertilization (IVF) were assessed. The results showed that in the control groups in all three experiments, granulosa cells migrated from within the follicle and the follicles could not reach the antral stage. In the experimental groups in all three experiments, no migration of granulosa cells was observed and follicle development was assessed as attaining the antral stage, which was significantly superior to that of the control group (P < 0.0001). Oocyte meiotic arrest was effectively maintained, hence giving good developmental competence. In conclusion, CNP supplementation in the culture system during IVG benefited the development of murine preantral follicles.


2013 ◽  
Vol 100 (3) ◽  
pp. S409
Author(s):  
M.S. Christianson ◽  
L. Londra ◽  
S. Seifert ◽  
H. Wu ◽  
A.M. Khafagy ◽  
...  

2018 ◽  
Vol 30 (10) ◽  
pp. 1342 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zhao-Bo Luo ◽  
Long Jin ◽  
Qing Guo ◽  
Jun-Xia Wang ◽  
Xiao-Xu Xing ◽  
...  

Accumulating evidence suggests that aberrant epigenetic reprogramming and low pluripotency of donor nuclei lead to abnormal development of cloned embryos and underlie the inefficiency of mammalian somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT). The present study demonstrates that treatment with the small molecule RepSox alone upregulates the expression of pluripotency-related genes in porcine SCNT embryos. Treatment with the histone deacetylase inhibitor LBH589 significantly increased the blastocyst formation rate, whereas treatment with RepSox did not. Cotreatment with 12.5 μM RepSox and 50 nM LBH589 (RepSox + LBH589) for 24 h significantly increased the blastocyst formation rate compared with that of untreated embryos (26.9% vs 8.5% respectively; P < 0.05). Furthermore, the expression of pluripotency-related genes octamer-binding transcription factor 4 (NANOG) and SRY (sex determining region Y)-box 2 (SOX2) were found to significantly increased in the RepSox + LBH589 compared with control group at both the 4-cell and blastocyst stages. In particular, the expression of NANOG was 135-fold higher at the blastocyst stage in the RepSox + LBH589 group. Moreover, RepSox + LBH589 improved epigenetic reprogramming. In summary, RepSox + LBH589 increases the expression of developmentally important genes, optimises epigenetic reprogramming and improves the in vitro development of porcine SCNT embryos.


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