1
|
Kovacsy S, Ismer A, Funes J, Hoogewijs M, Wilsher S. Successful vitrification of equine embryos >300 microns without puncture or aspiration. Equine Vet J 2024; 56:815-822. [PMID: 38450769 DOI: 10.1111/evj.14081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Equine embryos >300 μm require puncture before vitrification. Protocols that do not require pre-puncture would make vitrification easier and allow for its widespread use. OBJECTIVES To design a successful vitrification protocol for embryos >300 μm without puncture as a pre-treatment. STUDY DESIGN Experimental in vivo study. METHODS Thirty-eight embryos were divided into 3 groups (G1: ≤300 μm, n = 11; G2: >300-500 μm, n = 20; G3: >500 μm, n = 7). Embryos were vitrified using a human vitrification kit. Following a 15 min exposure to equilibration solution (ES; 7.5% DMSO +7.5% ethylene glycol [EG] in a base medium [BM] of M199 HEPES-buffered medium [H199] + hydroxypropyl cellulose + gentamycin), embryos were exposed for ≤90 s to a vitrification solution (15% DMSO +15% EG + 0.5 M trelahose in BM), loaded onto a Cryolock and plunged into LN2. Warming was undertaken by plunging the Cryolock tip into 1 mL of H199 + 20% FBS + pen/strep +1 M sucrose at 42°C for 1 min. The embryos were then moved to a 0.5 M sucrose solution for 4 min, then placed in Vigro Hold for 4 min prior to transfer to a recipient. RESULTS Pregnancy rates were 81.8% (9/11) for G1, 80% (16/20) for G2, and 0% (0/7) for G3. The largest embryo to survive was 480 μm. MAIN LIMITATIONS Limited numbers and only one pregnancy was followed to term. CONCLUSIONS Equine embryos ≤480 μm can be successfully vitrified using a protocol with a longer exposure time to the ES. This does not appear to have a negative effect on early embryonic development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Ann Ismer
- Sharjah Equine Hospital, Sharjah, UAE
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
2
|
Aquaporins and Animal Gamete Cryopreservation: Advances and Future Challenges. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12030359. [PMID: 35158682 PMCID: PMC8833750 DOI: 10.3390/ani12030359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2021] [Revised: 01/27/2022] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Cryopreservation is the method for the long-term preservation of gametes and embryos. In recent years, intensive research has focused on improving cryopreservation protocols for the determination of optimal freezing conditions and cryoprotective agents’ concentration for each cell type. The optimal cryopreservation protocol comprises the adequate balance between the freezing rate and the correct concentration of cryoprotective agents to achieve controlled cellular dehydration and minimal intracellular ice formation. Osmoregulation is, therefore, central in cryobiology. Water and some solutes can cross the plasma membrane, whereas facilitating transport takes a great part in intracellular/extracellular fluid homeostasis. Cells express water channels known as aquaporins that facilitate the transport of water and small uncharged solutes on their plasma membrane, including some cryoprotective agents. This review explores the expression and the function of aquaporins in gametes and embryos. In addition, the putative role of aquaporins for cryopreservation procedures is discussed. Abstract Cryopreservation is globally used as a method for long-term preservation, although freeze-thawing procedures may strongly impair the gamete function. The correct cryopreservation procedure is characterized by the balance between freezing rate and cryoprotective agents (CPAs), which minimizes cellular dehydration and intracellular ice formation. For this purpose, osmoregulation is a central process in cryopreservation. During cryopreservation, water and small solutes, including penetrating cryoprotective agents, cross the plasma membrane. Aquaporins (AQPs) constitute a family of channel proteins responsible for the transport of water, small solutes, and certain gases across biological membranes. Thirteen homologs of AQPs (AQP0-12) have been described. AQPs are widely distributed throughout the male and female reproductive systems, including the sperm and oocyte membrane. The composition of the male and female gamete membrane is of special interest for assisted reproductive techniques (ART), including cryopreservation. In this review, we detail the mechanisms involved in gamete cryopreservation, including the most used techniques and CPAs. In addition, the expression and function of AQPs in the male and female gametes are explored, highlighting the potential protective role of AQPs against damage induced during cryopreservation.
Collapse
|
3
|
Mayer I. The Role of Reproductive Sciences in the Preservation and Breeding of Commercial and Threatened Teleost Fishes. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2019; 1200:187-224. [PMID: 31471798 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-23633-5_7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
The teleost fishes are the largest and most diverse vertebrate group, accounting for nearly half of all known vertebrate species. Teleost fish exhibit greater species diversity than any other group of vertebrates and this is reflected in the unique variety of different reproductive strategies displayed by fish. Fish have always been an important resource for humans worldwide, especially as food. While wild capture fisheries have historically been the main source of fish, the farming of fish (aquaculture) is increasingly becoming the more dominant source of food fish, and is predicted to account for 60% of total global fish production by 2030.Fishes are increasingly threatened by a wide range of anthropogenic impacts, including loss of habitat, pollution, invasive species and over-exploitation. In addition, climate change, especially the consequences of global warming, can impact fish at all levels of biological organization from the individual to the population level, influencing both physiological and ecological processes in a variety of direct and indirect ways. As such, there is an urgent need to protect and conserve the huge genetic diversity offered by this diverse vertebrate group, not just as a source of genes for contemporary breeding and for protection against the consequences of climate change and disease, but also as part of our national heritage. While the cryopreservation of reproductive cells is a means of achieving these objectives, currently only fish sperm can be successfully frozen. Due to their large size, large yolk compartment, low membrane permeability and high chilling sensitivity, successful and reproducible protocols for the cryopreservation of fish oocytes and embryos still remains elusive. However, significant advances have been made in the cryopreservation of primordial germ cells as an alternative means of conserving both paternal and maternal genomes. Although more research needs to be carried out on how these cells can be optimally applied to emerging reproductive technologies, including transplantation techniques and surrogate broodstock technologies, the successful cryopreservation of fish germ cells, and the establishment of genetic resource banks, offers the possibility of both conserving and restoring threatened species. Further, current and future conservation efforts need to consider the impact of climate change in both in situ conservation and reintroduction efforts.In conclusion, it is anticipated that the successful cryopreservation of fish germplasm will result in a range of economic, ecological and societal benefits. In partnership with emerging assisted reproductive technologies, the successful cryopreservation of fish germplasm will lead to more efficient reproduction in aquaculture, assist selective breeding programmes, and be of crucial importance to future species conservation actions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ian Mayer
- Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Oslo, Norway.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Alam MA, Rahman SM, Yamamoto Y, Hattori RS, Suzuki T, Watanabe M, Strüssmann CA. Optimization of protocols for microinjection-based delivery of cryoprotective agents into Japanese whiting Sillago japonica embryos. Cryobiology 2018; 85:25-32. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cryobiol.2018.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2018] [Revised: 10/08/2018] [Accepted: 10/08/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
|
5
|
Effects of ultrasound on permeation of cryoprotectants into Japanese whiting Sillago japonica embryos. Cryobiology 2017; 77:19-24. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cryobiol.2017.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2017] [Revised: 05/13/2017] [Accepted: 06/05/2017] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
|
6
|
Prieto-Martínez N, Morató R, Muiño R, Hidalgo CO, Rodríguez-Gil JE, Bonet S, Yeste M. Aquaglyceroporins 3 and 7 in bull spermatozoa: identification, localisation and their relationship with sperm cryotolerance. Reprod Fertil Dev 2017; 29:1249-1259. [DOI: 10.1071/rd16077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2015] [Accepted: 03/31/2016] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The present study aimed to determine the localisation of aquaglyceroporins 3 (AQP3) and 7 (AQP7) in bull spermatozoa and their relationship with the sperm cell’s resilience to withstand cryopreservation (i.e. cryotolerance). A total of 18 bull ejaculates were cryopreserved and their sperm quality analysed before and after freeze–thawing. The presence and localisation of AQP3 and AQP7 was determined through immunoblotting and immunocytochemistry. AQP3 was found in the mid-piece and AQP7 in the mid-piece and post-acrosomal region of bull spermatozoa. Immunoblotting showed specific signal bands at 30 and 60 kDa for AQP3 and at 25 kDa for AQP7. Neither the relative abundance of AQP3 and AQP7 nor their localisation patterns was altered by cryopreservation but individual differences between bull ejaculates were found in immunoblots. In order to determine whether these individual differences were related to sperm cryotolerance, bull ejaculates were classified as having good (GFE) or poor freezability (PFE) on the basis of their sperm quality after thawing. While the relative abundance of AQP3 before cryopreservation did not differ between ejaculates with GFE and PFE, the abundance of AQP7 was higher in GFE than in PFE ejaculates. This finding was further confirmed through principal component and linear regression analyses. In conclusion, the relative abundance of AQP7 in fresh semen may be used as a marker to predict bull sperm cryotolerance.
Collapse
|
7
|
Morató R, Chauvigné F, Novo S, Bonet S, Cerdà J. Enhanced water and cryoprotectant permeability of porcine oocytes after artificial expression of human and zebrafish aquaporin-3 channels. Mol Reprod Dev 2014; 81:450-61. [DOI: 10.1002/mrd.22310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2013] [Accepted: 01/29/2014] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Roser Morató
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm); Department of Biology; Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology; University of Girona; Girona Spain
| | - François Chauvigné
- Institut de Recerca i Tecnologia Agroalimentàries (IRTA)-Institut de Ciències del Mar; Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC); Barcelona Spain
| | - Sergi Novo
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm); Department of Biology; Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology; University of Girona; Girona Spain
| | - Sergi Bonet
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm); Department of Biology; Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology; University of Girona; Girona Spain
| | - Joan Cerdà
- Institut de Recerca i Tecnologia Agroalimentàries (IRTA)-Institut de Ciències del Mar; Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC); Barcelona Spain
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Valdez DM, Tsuchiya R, Seki S, Saida N, Niimi S, Koshimoto C, Matsukawa K, Kasai M, Edashige K. A trial to cryopreserve immature medaka (Oryzias latipes) oocytes after enhancing their permeability by exogenous expression of aquaporin 3. J Reprod Dev 2013; 59:205-13. [PMID: 23337101 PMCID: PMC3934193 DOI: 10.1262/jrd.2012-179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2012] [Accepted: 12/19/2012] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Fish oocytes have not been cryopreserved successfully, probably because it is difficult to prevent intracellular ice from forming. Previously, we have shown in medaka that immature oocytes are more suitable for cryopreservation than mature oocytes or embryos, in terms of permeability. We have also shown in immature medaka oocytes that the exogenous expression of aquaporin 3 (AQP3), a water/cryoprotectant channel, promotes the movement of water and cryoprotectants through the plasma membrane. In the present study, we attempted to cryopreserve immature medaka oocytes expressing AQP3. We first examined effects of hypertonic stress and the chemical toxicity of cryoprotectants on the survival of the AQP3-expressing oocytes. Exposure to hypertonic solutions containing sucrose decreased the survival of oocytes, but the expression of AQP3 did not affect sensitivity to hypertonic stress. Also, AQP3 expression did not markedly increase sensitivity to the toxicity of cryoprotectants. Of the four cryoprotectants tested, propylene glycol was the least toxic. Using a propylene glycol-based solution, therefore, we tried to cryopreserve immature oocytes by vitrification. During cooling with liquid nitrogen, all intact oocytes became opaque, but many AQP3-expressing oocytes remained transparent. This indicates that the expression of AQP3 is effective in preventing intracellular ice from forming during cooling. During warming, however, all the AQP3-expressing oocytes became opaque, indicating that intracellular ice formed. Therefore, the dehydration and permeation by propylene glycol were still insufficient. Further studies are necessary to realize the cryopreservation of fish oocytes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Delgado M Valdez
- Laboratory of Animal Science, College of Agriculture, Kochi University, Kochi 783-8502, Japan
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
9
|
Seki S, Edashige K, Wada S, Mazur P. Effect of the expression of aquaporins 1 and 3 in mouse oocytes and compacted eight-cell embryos on the nucleation temperature for intracellular ice formation. Reproduction 2011; 142:505-15. [PMID: 21734033 DOI: 10.1530/rep-10-0538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
The occurrence of intracellular ice formation (IIF) is the most important factor determining whether cells survive a cryopreservation procedure. What is not clear is the mechanism or route by which an external ice crystal can traverse the plasma membrane and cause the heterogeneous nucleation of the supercooled solution within the cell. We have hypothesized that one route is through preexisting pores in aquaporin (AQP) proteins that span the plasma membranes of many cell types. Since the plasma membrane of mature mouse oocytes expresses little AQP, we compared the ice nucleation temperature of native oocytes with that of oocytes induced to express AQP1 and AQP3. The oocytes were suspended in 1.0 M ethylene glycol in PBS for 15 min, cooled in a Linkam cryostage to -7.0 ° C, induced to freeze externally, and finally cooled at 20 ° C/min to -70 ° C. IIF that occurred during the 20 ° C/min cooling is manifested by abrupt black flashing. The mean IIF temperatures for native oocytes, for oocytes sham injected with water, for oocytes expressing AQP1, and for those expressing AQP3 were -34, -40, -35, and -25 ° C respectively. The fact that the ice nucleation temperature of oocytes expressing AQP3 was 10-15 ° C higher than the others is consistent with our hypothesis. AQP3 pores can supposedly be closed by low pH or by treatment with double-stranded Aqp3 RNA. However, when morulae were subjected to such treatments, the IIF temperature still remained high. A possible explanation is suggested.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shinsuke Seki
- Fundamental and Applied Cryobiology Group, Department of Biochemistry and Cellular and Molecular Biology, The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee 37932-2575, USA
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
10
|
Chauvigné F, Lubzens E, Cerdà J. Design and characterization of genetically engineered zebrafish aquaporin-3 mutants highly permeable to the cryoprotectant ethylene glycol. BMC Biotechnol 2011; 11:34. [PMID: 21477270 PMCID: PMC3079631 DOI: 10.1186/1472-6750-11-34] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2010] [Accepted: 04/08/2011] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Increasing cell membrane permeability to water and cryoprotectants is critical for the successful cryopreservation of cells with large volumes. Artificial expression of water-selective aquaporins or aquaglyceroporins (GLPs), such as mammalian aquaporin-3 (AQP3), enhances cell permeability to water and cryoprotectants, but it is known that AQP3-mediated water and solute permeation is limited and pH dependent. To exploit further the possibilities of using aquaporins in cryobiology, we investigated the functional properties of zebrafish (Danio rerio) GLPs. Results Water, glycerol, propylene glycol and ethylene glycol permeability of zebrafish Aqp3a, -3b, -7, -9a, -9b, -10a and -10b, and human AQP3, was examined. Expression in Xenopus laevis oocytes indicated that the permeability of DrAqp3a and -3b to ethylene glycol was higher than for glycerol or propylene glycol under isotonic conditions, unlike other zebrafish GLPs and human AQP3, which were more permeable to glycerol. In addition, dose-response experiments and radiolabeled ethylene glycol uptake assays suggested that oocytes expressing DrAqp3b were permeated by this cryoprotectant more efficiently than those expressing AQP3. Water and ethylene glycol transport through DrAqp3a and -3b were, however, highest at pH 8.5 and completely abolished at pH 6.0. Point mutations in the DrAqp3b amino acid sequence rendered two constructs, DrAqp3b-T85A showing higher water and ethylene glycol permeability at neutral and alkaline pH, and DrAqp3b-H53A/G54H/T85A, no longer inhibited at acidic pH but less permeable than the wild type. Finally, calculation of permeability coefficients for ethylene glycol under concentration gradients confirmed that the two DrAqp3b mutants were more permeable than wild-type DrAqp3b and/or AQP3 at neutral pH, resulting in a 2.6- to 4-fold increase in the oocyte intracellular concentration of ethylene glycol. Conclusion By single or triple point mutations in the DrAqp3b amino acid sequence, we constructed one mutant with enhanced ethylene glycol permeability and another with reduced pH sensitivity. The DrAqp3b and the two mutant constructs may be useful for application in cryobiology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- François Chauvigné
- Laboratory of Institut de Recerca i Tecnologia Agroalimentàries, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, 08003 Barcelona, Spain
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
11
|
Cryobiological properties of immature zebrafish oocytes assessed by their ability to be fertilized and develop into hatching embryos. Cryobiology 2011; 62:8-14. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cryobiol.2010.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2009] [Revised: 10/07/2010] [Accepted: 11/18/2010] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
|
12
|
Efficiency of osmotic and chemical treatments to improve the permeation of the cryoprotectant dimethyl sulfoxide to Japanese whiting (Sillago japonica) embryos. Theriogenology 2011; 75:248-55. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2010.08.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2010] [Revised: 07/15/2010] [Accepted: 08/24/2010] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
|
13
|
Chauvigné F, Cerdà J. Expression of Functional Aquaporins in Oocytes and Embryos and the Impact on Cryopreservation. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2010. [DOI: 10.3109/9780203092873.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/27/2023]
|
14
|
Vitrification in animal reproduction: vitrification of embryos using conventional straws with an ethylene glycol-based solutions. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2010. [DOI: 10.3109/9780203090022.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register]
|
15
|
Rienzi L, Romano S, Albricci L, Maggiulli R, Capalbo A, Baroni E, Colamaria S, Sapienza F, Ubaldi F. Embryo development of fresh 'versus' vitrified metaphase II oocytes after ICSI: a prospective randomized sibling-oocyte study. Hum Reprod 2009; 25:66-73. [PMID: 19861328 PMCID: PMC2794665 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dep346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 329] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND A successful oocyte cryopreservation programme is of utmost importance where a limited number of oocytes can be inseminated per cycle, to overcome legal and ethical issues related to embryo storage, for oocyte donation programmes and for fertility preservation (especially for cancer patients). Vitrification has been recently proposed as an effective procedure for this purpose. METHODS In order to validate the effectiveness of oocyte vitrification a non-inferiority trial was started on sibling metaphase II (MII) oocytes. To demonstrate the non-inferiority based on an absolute difference of 17% in the fertilization rate per sibling oocyte, a minimum of 222 oocytes were required. After oocyte denudation, MII oocytes with normal morphology were randomly allocated to fresh ICSI insemination or to vitrification procedure. If pregnancy was not obtained a subsequent ICSI cycle was performed with warmed oocytes of the same cohort. In both groups, three oocytes were inseminated per cycle by ICSI procedure. Primary end-points were fertilization rates calculated per warmed and per injected oocytes. Secondary end-points were zygote and embryo morphology. RESULTS A total of 244 oocytes were involved in this study. Of the 120 fresh sibling oocytes inseminated, 100 were fertilized (83.3%). Survival rate of sibling vitrified oocytes was 96.8% (120/124 oocytes). Fertilization rate after ICSI was 76.6% (95/124) per warmed oocyte and 79.2% (95/120) per survived/inseminated oocyte. No statistical difference in fertilization rates was observed between the two groups when calculated per sibling oocytes (absolute difference -6.73%; OR: 0.65; 95% CI = 0.33-1.29; P = 0.20) and per inseminated oocyte (absolute difference -4.17%; OR: 0.76; 95% CI = 0.37-1.53; P = 0.50). Embryo development was also similar in both treatment groups up till Day 2. The percentage of excellent quality embryos was 52.0% (52/100) in the fresh group and 51.6% (49/95) in the vitrification group (absolute difference -0.43%; OR: 0.98; 95% CI = 0.53-1.79; P = 0.9). The mean age of the 40 patients included in this study was 35.5 +/- 4.8 years (range 26-42). Fifteen clinical pregnancies were obtained in the vitrification cycles of 39 embryo transfers performed (37.5% per cycle, 38.5% per embryo transfer), with an implantation rate of 20.2% (19/94). Three spontaneous miscarriages occurred (20%). Twelve pregnancies are ongoing (30.0% per cycle, 30.8% per embryo transfer) beyond 12 weeks of gestation. CONCLUSIONS Our results indicate that oocyte vitrification procedure followed by ICSI is not inferior to fresh insemination procedure, with regard to fertilization and embryo developmental rates. Moreover, ongoing clinical pregnancy is compatible with this procedure, even with a restricted number of oocytes available for insemination. The promising clinical results obtained, in a population of infertile patients, need to be confirmed on a larger scale. CLINICAL TRIALS REGISTRATION NUMBER iSRCTN60158641.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laura Rienzi
- G.E.N.E.R.A. Centre for Reproductive Medicine, Clinica Valle Giulia, via de Notaris 2B, Rome, Italy.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
16
|
|
17
|
Rahman SM, Majhi SK, Suzuki T, Matsukawa S, Strüssmann CA, Takai R. Suitability of cryoprotectants and impregnation protocols for embryos of Japanese whiting Sillago japonica. Cryobiology 2008; 57:170-4. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cryobiol.2008.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2008] [Revised: 07/09/2008] [Accepted: 08/05/2008] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
|
18
|
Edashige K, Ohta S, Tanaka M, Kuwano T, Valdez DM, Hara T, Jin B, Takahashi SI, Seki S, Koshimoto C, Kasai M. The Role of Aquaporin 3 in the Movement of Water and Cryoprotectants in Mouse Morulae1. Biol Reprod 2007; 77:365-75. [PMID: 17429015 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.106.059261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
The permeability to water and cryoprotectants of the plasma membrane is crucial to the successful cryopreservation of embryos. Previously, we have shown in mouse morulae that water and glycerol move across the plasma membrane by facilitated diffusion, and we have suggested that aquaporin 3 plays an important role in their movement. In the present study, we clarify the contribution of aquaporin 3 to the movement of water and various cryoprotectants in mouse morulae by measuring the Arrhenius activation energies for permeability to cryoprotectants and water, through artificial expression of aquaporin 3 using Aqp3 cRNA in mouse oocytes, and by suppressing the expression of aquaporin 3 in morulae by injecting double-stranded RNA of Aqp3 at the one-cell zygote stage. The results show that aquaporin 3 plays an important role in the facilitated diffusion of water, glycerol, and ethylene glycol, but not of acetamide and dimethylsulfoxide. On the other hand, in a propylene glycol solution, aquaporin 3 in morulae transported neither propylene glycol nor water by facilitated diffusion, probably because of strong water-solute interactions. These results provide important information for understanding the permeability of the plasma membrane of the mouse embryo.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Keisuke Edashige
- Laboratory of Animal Science, College of Agriculture, Kochi University, Nankoku, Kochi 783-8502, Japan.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
19
|
Seki S, Kouya T, Hara T, Valdez DM, Jin B, Kasai M, Edashige K. Exogenous Expression of Rat Aquaporin-3 Enhances Permeability to Water and Cryoprotectants of Immature Oocytes in the Zebrafish (Danio rerio). J Reprod Dev 2007; 53:597-604. [PMID: 17325454 DOI: 10.1262/jrd.18164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Movement of water and cryoprotectants through the plasma membrane needs to be accelerated for successful cryopreservation of zebrafish oocytes/embryos, which are much larger than their mammalian counterparts. Aquaporin-3 is a water/solute channel that can transport not only water but also various cryoprotectants. In this study, we attempted to increase the permeability of immature zebrafish oocytes at stage III to water and cryoprotectants by exogenous expression of rat aquaporin-3. Immature zebrafish oocytes were injected with rat aquaporin-3 cRNA and cultured for 5-12 h. Permeability to water and cryoprotectants was then determined based on changes in the volumes of the oocytes in a hypertonic sucrose solution and various cryoprotectant solutions at 25 C. The permeability to water of the aquaporin-3 cRNA-injected oocytes was three times higher than that of intact and water-injected oocytes. The permeability of the aquaporin-3 cRNA-injected oocytes to ethylene glycol, glycerol, propylene glycol, and DMSO was also 2-4 times higher than that of intact oocytes. Thus, the permeability of immature zebrafish oocytes to water and cryoprotectants was enhanced by exogenous expression of aquaporin-3. Cryopreservation of teleost oocytes may be realized through a further increase in permeability.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shinsuke Seki
- Laboratory of Animal Science, College of Agriculture, Kochi University, Japan
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|