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Prathalingam N, Hyslop L, Cole M, Cooney D, Driver A, Herbert M, Hodgson R, Choudhary M, Wetherall B, Shivhare S, Richardson J, Smith T, Stewart J, Murdoch A. Developing a novel device, Eggcell, to improve temperature stability during oocyte collection for IVF. Reprod Biomed Online 2022; 45:1097-1104. [DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2022.06.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2022] [Revised: 06/23/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
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Kikuchi Y, Wakayama S, Ito D, Ooga M, Wakayama T. Optimised CO2-containing medium for in vitro culture and transportation of mouse preimplantation embryos without CO2 incubator. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0260645. [PMID: 34941870 PMCID: PMC8699615 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0260645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Accepted: 11/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Conventional in vitro culture and manipulation of mouse embryos require a CO2 incubator, which not only increases the cost of performing experiments but also hampers the transport of embryos to the other laboratories. In this study, we established and tested a new CO2 incubator-free embryo culture system and transported embryos using this system. Using an Anaero pouch, which is a CO2 gas-generating agent, to increase the CO2 partial pressure of CZB medium to 4%–5%, 2-cell embryos were cultured to the blastocyst stage in a sealed tube without a CO2 incubator at 37°C. Further, the developmental rate to blastocyst and full-term development after embryo transfer were comparable with those of usual culture method using a CO2 incubator (blastocyst rate: 97% versus 95%, respectively; offspring rate: 30% versus 35%, respectively). Furthermore, using a thermal bottle, embryos were reliably cultured using this system for up to 2 days at room temperature, and live offspring were obtained from embryos transported in this simple and very low-cost manner without reducing the offspring rate (thermal bottle: 26.2% versus CO2 incubator: 34.3%). This study demonstrates that CO2 incubators are not essential for embryo culture and transportation and that this system provides a useful, low-cost alternative for mouse embryo culture and manipulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasuyuki Kikuchi
- Faculty of Life and Environmental Science, University of Yamanashi, Kofu, Japan
| | - Sayaka Wakayama
- Advanced Biotechnology Center, University of Yamanashi, Kofu, Japan
| | - Daiyu Ito
- Faculty of Life and Environmental Science, University of Yamanashi, Kofu, Japan
| | - Masatoshi Ooga
- Faculty of Life and Environmental Science, University of Yamanashi, Kofu, Japan
| | - Teruhiko Wakayama
- Advanced Biotechnology Center, University of Yamanashi, Kofu, Japan
- * E-mail:
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Santos JT, Soobrian L, Kashyap S. Off-gassing plasticware to decrease the toxicity effect in embryo culture. JBRA Assist Reprod 2021; 25:428-433. [PMID: 34286940 PMCID: PMC8312287 DOI: 10.5935/1518-0557.20210005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: Methods: Results: Conclusions:
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lisa Soobrian
- Genesis Fertility Centre, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Sonya Kashyap
- Genesis Fertility Centre, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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Delaroche L, Oger P, Genauzeau E, Meicler P, Lamazou F, Dupont C, Humaidan P. Embryotoxicity testing of IVF disposables: how do manufacturers test? Hum Reprod 2021; 35:283-292. [PMID: 32053198 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dez277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2019] [Revised: 11/30/2019] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION How do manufacturers perform embryotoxicity testing in their quality control programs when validating IVF consumables? SUMMARY ANSWER The Mouse Embryo Assay (MEA) and Human Sperm Survival Assay (HSSA) used for IVF disposables differed from one manufacturer to another. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Many components used in IVF laboratories, such as culture media and disposable consumables, may negatively impact human embryonic development. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION Through a questionnaire-based survey, the main manufacturers of IVF disposable devices were contacted during the period November to December 2018 to compare the methodology of the MEA and HSSA. We focused on catheters for embryo transfer, catheters for insemination, straws, serological pipettes, culture dishes and puncture needles used in the ART procedures. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS We approached the manufacturers of IVF disposables and asked for details about methodology of the MEA and HSSA performed for toxicity testing of their IVF disposable devices. All specific parameters like mouse strains, number of embryos used, culture conditions (media, temperature, atmosphere), extraction protocol, subcontracting, and thresholds were registered and compared between companies. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Twenty-one companies were approached, of which only 11 answered the questionnaire. Significant differences existed in the methodologies and thresholds of the MEA and HSSA used for toxicity testing of IVF disposables. Importantly, some of these parameters could influence the sensitivity of the tests. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION Although we approached the main IVF manufacturers, the response rate was relatively low. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Our study confirms the high degree of heterogeneity of the embryotoxicity tests performed by manufacturers when validating their IVF disposable devices. Currently, no regulations exist on this issue. Professionals should call for and request standardization and a future higher degree of transparency as regards embryotoxicity testing from supplying companies; moreover, companies should be urged to provide the users clear and precise information about the results of their tests and how testing was performed. Future recommendations are urgently awaited to improve the sensitivity and reproducibility of embryotoxicity assays over time. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This study did not receive any funding. L.D. declares a competing interest with Patrick Choay SAS. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER N/A.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Delaroche
- Centre d'AMP, Ramsay Santé, Hôpital Privé de Parly 2, 21 rue Moxouris, 78150 Le Chesnay, France.,Centre de Biologie Médicale, Hôpital Privé de Parly 2, 21 rue Moxouris, 78150 Le Chesnay, France
| | - P Oger
- Centre d'AMP, Ramsay Santé, Hôpital Privé de Parly 2, 21 rue Moxouris, 78150 Le Chesnay, France
| | - E Genauzeau
- Centre d'AMP, Ramsay Santé, Hôpital Privé de Parly 2, 21 rue Moxouris, 78150 Le Chesnay, France.,Centre de Biologie Médicale, Hôpital Privé de Parly 2, 21 rue Moxouris, 78150 Le Chesnay, France
| | - P Meicler
- Centre d'AMP, Ramsay Santé, Hôpital Privé de Parly 2, 21 rue Moxouris, 78150 Le Chesnay, France
| | - F Lamazou
- Centre d'AMP, Ramsay Santé, Hôpital Privé de Parly 2, 21 rue Moxouris, 78150 Le Chesnay, France
| | - C Dupont
- INSERM équipe Lipodystrophies génétiques et acquises. Service de biologie de la reproduction-CECOS, Sorbonne Université, Saint Antoine Research Center, AP-HP, Hôpital Tenon, F-75020 Paris, France
| | - P Humaidan
- The Fertility Clinic, Skive Regional Hospital, Resenvej 25, 7800 Skive, Denmark.,Faculty of Health, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
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Esfandiari N, Gubista A. Mouse embryo assay for human in vitro fertilization quality control: a fresh look. J Assist Reprod Genet 2020; 37:1123-1127. [PMID: 32281036 PMCID: PMC7244663 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-020-01768-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2020] [Accepted: 03/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The mouse embryo assay (MEA) has been used in the field of human in vitro fertilization (IVF) for multiple purposes such as developing embryo culture media, quality control within the laboratory, and procedural training and proficiency testing for embryology staff. In addition, manufacturing companies use the MEA as a means of quality control for the development of embryo culture media and medical devices and to meet the standards of testing for FDA approval of new products. It has long been considered by embryologists and laboratory scientists whether the MEA is an accurate or sensitive test in the quality assessment of culture media and medical devices or if use of this testing is more an obligation. There is no uniformly accepted gold standard method for IVF lab quality control or FDA approval. This review aims to revisit the role of the use of mouse embryos in the formulation of IVF media for clinical use and the different methods of employing the mouse embryo assay for quality control. In addition, we will review the use of the MEA as an important adjunct in the training for embryology staff and fellows in training in reproductive endocrinology and infertility (REI), as well as alternatives to the use of the MEA for these purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Navid Esfandiari
- IVF and Andrology Laboratories, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Vermont Medical Center, Burlington, VT, 05401, USA.
| | - Ashley Gubista
- IVF and Andrology Laboratories, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Vermont Medical Center, Burlington, VT, 05401, USA
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Parameters of the Mouse Embryo Assay that affect detection of peroxides in mineral oil. Reprod Biomed Online 2019; 39:547-555. [DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2019.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2019] [Revised: 05/08/2019] [Accepted: 05/08/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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Gilbert RS, Nunez B, Sakurai K, Fielder T, Ni HT. Genetic mouse embryo assay: improving performance and quality testing for assisted reproductive technology (ART) with a functional bioassay. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2016; 14:13. [PMID: 27009109 PMCID: PMC4806453 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-016-0149-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2016] [Accepted: 03/15/2016] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Growing concerns about safety of ART on human gametes, embryos, clinical outcomes and long-term health of offspring require improved methods of risk assessment to provide functionally relevant assays for quality control testing and pre-clinical studies prior to clinical implementation. The one-cell mouse embryo assay (MEA) is the most widely used for development and quality testing of human ART products; however, concerns exist due to the insensitivity/variability of this bioassay which lacks standardization and involves subjective analysis by morphology alone rather than functional analysis of the developing embryos. We hypothesized that improvements to MEA by the use of functional molecular biomarkers could enhance sensitivity and improve detection of suboptimal materials/conditions. RESULTS Fresh one-cell transgenic mouse embryos with green fluorescent protein (GFP) expression driven by Pou6f1 or Cdx2 control elements were harvested and cultured to blastocysts in varied test and control conditions to compare assessment by standard morphology alone versus the added dynamic expression of GFP for screening and selection of critical raw materials and detection of suboptimal culture conditions. Transgenic mouse embryos expressing functionally relevant biomarkers of normal early embryo development can be used to monitor the developmental impact of culture conditions. CONCLUSIONS This novel approach provides a superior MEA that is more meaningful and sensitive for detection of embryotoxicity than morphological assessment alone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca S. Gilbert
- Department of Research and Development, Irvine Scientific, 1830 E. Warner Ave, Santa Ana, CA 92705 USA
| | - Brandy Nunez
- Department of Research and Development, Irvine Scientific, 1830 E. Warner Ave, Santa Ana, CA 92705 USA
| | - Kumi Sakurai
- Department of Research and Development, Irvine Scientific, 1830 E. Warner Ave, Santa Ana, CA 92705 USA
| | - Thomas Fielder
- Transgenic Mouse Facility, University of California Irvine (UCI), 121 Bison Modular, Irvine, CA 92697 USA
| | - Hsiao-Tzu Ni
- Department of Research and Development, Irvine Scientific, 1830 E. Warner Ave, Santa Ana, CA 92705 USA
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Building a better mouse embryo assay: effects of mouse strain and in vitro maturation on sensitivity to contaminants of the culture environment. J Assist Reprod Genet 2015; 33:237-45. [PMID: 26644221 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-015-0623-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2015] [Accepted: 11/22/2015] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The aim of this study is to compare the sensitivity of the standard one-cell mouse embryo assay (MEA) to that using in vitro-matured oocytes from hybrid and outbred mice. METHODS The study was done by culturing embryos in the presence or absence of two concentrations (0.0005 or 0.001 % v/v) of Triton X-100 (TX100). Embryonic development, blastocyst cell numbers (total and allocation to the trophectoderm [TE] and inner cell mass [ICM]), and blastocyst gene expression were evaluated. RESULTS Neither concentration of TX100 affected (P > 0.05) cleavage, blastocyst development, or hatching in one-cell embryos from BDF1 mice. However, all cell number endpoints were reduced (P < 0.05) by the high concentration of TX100 and the number of ICM cells was reduced (P < 0.05) by the low concentration of TX100. Inhibitory (P < 0.05) effects of the high concentration of TX100 were observed in in vitro maturation (IVM) embryos from BDF1, CF1, and SW, but not ICR, mice. Cell number and allocation were negatively affected by the high concentration of TX100 in CF1 and SW embryos, but not in BDF1 or ICR embryos. The only developmental endpoints affected by the low concentration of TX100 were cleavage of BDF1 oocytes, blastocyst development of SW embryos, and cell numbers (total and inner cell mass (ICM)) of SW blastocysts. CONCLUSIONS The sensitivity of the MEA to TX100 is improved by using embryos from in vitro-matured oocytes, using oocytes from some outbred (SW or CF1, not ICR) strains of mice, and evaluating blastocyst cell number and allocation.
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Schulte K, Ehmcke J, Schlatt S, Boiani M, Nordhoff V. Lower total cell numbers in mouse preimplantation embryos cultured in human assisted reproductive technique (ART) media are not induced by apoptosis. Theriogenology 2015; 84:1620-30. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2015.08.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2015] [Revised: 08/10/2015] [Accepted: 08/21/2015] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
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Abstract
BACKGROUND The advances in the world of IVF during the last decades have been rapid and impressive and culture media play a major role in this success. Until the 1980s fertility centers made their media in house. Nowadays, there are numerous commercially available culture media that contain various components including nutrients, vitamins and growth factors. This review goes through the past, present and future of IVF culture media and explores their composition and quality assessment. METHODS A computerized search was performed in PubMed regarding IVF culture media including results from 1929 until March 2014. Information was gathered from the websites of companies who market culture media, advertising material, instructions for use and certificates of analysis. The regulation regarding IVF media mainly in the European Union (EU) but also in non-European countries was explored. RESULTS The keyword 'IVF culture media' gave 923 results in PubMed and 'embryo culture media' 12 068 results dating from 1912 until March 2014, depicting the increased scientific activity in this field. The commercialization of IVF culture media has increased the standards bringing a great variety of options into clinical practice. However, it has led to reduced transparency and comparisons of brand names that do not facilitate the scientific dialogue. Furthermore, there is some evidence suggesting that suboptimal culture conditions could cause long-term reprogramming in the embryo as the periconception period is particularly susceptible to epigenetic alterations. IVF media are now classified as class III medical devices and only CE (Conformité Européene)-marked media should be used in the EU. CONCLUSION The CE marking of IVF culture media is a significant development in the field. However, the quality and efficiency of culture media should be monitored closely. Well-designed randomized controlled trials, large epidemiological studies and full transparency should be the next steps. Reliable, standardized models assessing multiple end-points and post-implantation development should replace the mouse embryo assay. Structured long-term follow-up of children conceived by assisted reproduction technologies and traceability are of paramount importance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elpiniki Chronopoulou
- Institute for Women's Health, University College London, 86-96 Chenies Mews, London WC1E 6HX, UK
| | - Joyce C Harper
- UCL Centre for PG and D, Institute for Women's Health, University College London, London, UK The Centre for Reproductive and Genetic Health, UCLH, London, UK
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Wolff HS, Fredrickson JR, Walker DL, Morbeck DE. Advances in quality control: mouse embryo morphokinetics are sensitive markers of in vitro stress. Hum Reprod 2013; 28:1776-82. [PMID: 23595971 PMCID: PMC3685335 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/det102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Can time-lapse analysis of cell division timings [morphokinetics (MK)] in mouse embryos detect toxins at concentrations that do not affect blastocyst formation? SUMMARY ANSWER An MK algorithm enhances assay sensitivity while providing results 24–48 h sooner than the traditional mouse embryo assay (MEA). WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Current quality control testing methodology is sensitive but further improvements are needed to assure optimal culture conditions. MKs of embryo development may detect small variations in culture conditions. STUDY DESIGN Cross sectional—control versus treatment. Mouse embryo development kinetics of 466 embryos were analyzed according to exposure to various concentrations of toxins and toxic mineral oil. MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Cryopreserved 1-cell embryos from F1 hybrid mice were cultured with cumene hydroperoxide (CH) (0, 2, 4, 6 and 8 µM) and Triton X-100 (TX-100; 0, 0.0008, 0.0012, 0.0016 and 0.002%). Using the Embryoscope, time-lapse images were obtained every 20 min for 120 h in seven focal planes. End-points were timing and pattern of cell division and embryo development. The blastocyst rate (BR) was defined as the percentage of embryos that developed to the expanded blastocyst stage within 96 h. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE BR was not affected for embryos cultured in the three lowest concentrations of CH and the four lowest concentrations of TX-100. In contrast, a unique MK model detected all concentrations tested (P < 0.05). The MK model identified toxicity in two lots of toxic mineral oil that did not affect BR (P < 0.05). LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION A limited number of toxins were used so that the results may not apply to all potential embryo toxins. A larger sample size may also demonstrate other statistically significant developmental kinetic parameters. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS MKs in mouse embryos are a sensitive and efficient method for quality control testing of in vitro culture conditions. BR, the end-point of traditional quality control assays, did not detect sublethal concentrations of toxins in the culture milieu in our study. This study demonstrates that temporal variation at key developmental stages reflects the quality of the culture environment. An MEA that incorporates MK will provide enhanced sensitivity and faster turn-around times. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) The study was supported by Mayo Clinic Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Small Grant Program. The authors have no competing interests to declare.
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Affiliation(s)
- H S Wolff
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
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Khan Z, Wolff HS, Fredrickson JR, Walker DL, Daftary GS, Morbeck DE. Mouse strain and quality control testing: improved sensitivity of the mouse embryo assay with embryos from outbred mice. Fertil Steril 2013. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2012.10.046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
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Potential of inner cell mass outgrowth and amino acid turnover as markers of quality in the in vitro fertilization laboratory. Fertil Steril 2012; 98:863-9.e1. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2012.06.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2012] [Revised: 05/11/2012] [Accepted: 06/11/2012] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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A novel isolator-based system promotes viability of human embryos during laboratory processing. PLoS One 2012; 7:e31010. [PMID: 22393356 PMCID: PMC3290619 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0031010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2011] [Accepted: 12/30/2011] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
In vitro fertilisation (IVF) and related technologies are arguably the most challenging of all cell culture applications. The starting material is a single cell from which one aims to produce an embryo capable of establishing a pregnancy eventually leading to a live birth. Laboratory processing during IVF treatment requires open manipulations of gametes and embryos, which typically involves exposure to ambient conditions. To reduce the risk of cellular stress, we have developed a totally enclosed system of interlinked isolator-based workstations designed to maintain oocytes and embryos in a physiological environment throughout the IVF process. Comparison of clinical and laboratory data before and after the introduction of the new system revealed that significantly more embryos developed to the blastocyst stage in the enclosed isolator-based system compared with conventional open-fronted laminar flow hoods. Moreover, blastocysts produced in the isolator-based system contained significantly more cells and their development was accelerated. Consistent with this, the introduction of the enclosed system was accompanied by a significant increase in the clinical pregnancy rate and in the proportion of embryos implanting following transfer to the uterus. The data indicate that protection from ambient conditions promotes improved development of human embryos. Importantly, we found that it was entirely feasible to conduct all IVF-related procedures in the isolator-based workstations.
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Smith GD. Utility of animal models for human embryo culture development: rodents. Methods Mol Biol 2012; 912:19-26. [PMID: 22829366 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-61779-971-6_2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Advancements in clinical human embryo culture over the last 30-40 years have been supported by research conducted with embryos from rodent and domestic species. The mouse has been the primary rodent species that has contributed to improved embryo culture outcomes. Numerous parameters applied in the beginning of experiments, during progress of experiments, and as end-point measures provide varying degrees of rigor and interpretive strength and/or complexity. A nonexhaustive discussion of these parameters is presented with important emphasis on experimental design to obtain the greatest power of intraexperimental interpretation of inferior, equivalent, or improved culture conditions in the mouse model. Additionally, data are presented demonstrating the inherent flaw of overinterpretation of interexperimental outcome comparisons and caution of expectations of data translation from the mouse to the human embryo culture scenario. Finally, a materials, methods, and notes discussion enumerates important steps in use of mouse embryos as a bioassay tool, independent of whether they are being used in an experiment focused on quality control or improving culture conditions.
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Human sperm bioassay for reprotoxicity testing in embryo culture media: some practical considerations in reducing the assay time. Adv Urol 2010; 2010:136898. [PMID: 21234335 PMCID: PMC3017937 DOI: 10.1155/2010/136898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2010] [Revised: 11/03/2010] [Accepted: 11/09/2010] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Human sperm assay (HSA) is a preferred in house quality control and proficiency test (PT) practiced in fertility laboratories. HSA is performed over varying durations, apparently without following set criteria. To better understand the assay time required for reprotoxicity testing in embryo culture media, we compared American-Association-of-Bioanalysts-(AAB-) administered HSA data to our own assay performed using PT samples obtained from AAB. Participating laboratories were required to culture sperm for 48 hours to determine media acceptability. Conclusions drawn from 48- and 24-hour observations were the same, suggesting that HSA could identify reprotoxic media in less time than required by AAB. Our assay revealed that changes in motility grade in adulterated media are significantly different from those in control media. Furthermore, grade changes can be identified earlier than differences in motility loss between samples. Analyzing motility and motility quality together provides a method for establishing an optimal time for HSA.
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Boone WR, Higdon HL, Johnson JE. Quality Management Issues in the Assisted Reproduction Laboratory. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2010. [DOI: 10.1177/205891581000100103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
In the United States, the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Act (CLIA) of 1988 describes requirements and guidelines for implementing a quality control/quality assurance (QC/QA) program for moderate and high complexity laboratories. These requirements and guidelines apply to Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) laboratories as well. The general topic of QC and QA as it pertains to in vitro fertilization (IVF) and embryo transfer (ET) is extensively reviewed. This review summarizes many of the QC and QA events that contribute to the advancement of knowledge in this biotechnological field. These events include control of the culture environment inside and outside of the incubator, as well as factors that affect culture media. This review also discusses, in considerable detail, the QC and the QA that pertain to equipment used within the laboratory and how to control for potential contaminants, which reside within the laboratory. This review provides evidence to indicate the need for laboratory personnel to monitor quality improvement issues on a continuous basis. Personnel must be willing to change as improvements in technology occur in order to meet the ever-evolving demands of a more difficult patient population. Suggestions for meeting these demands are offered.
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Affiliation(s)
- William R. Boone
- Greenville Hospital System University Medical Center, Greenville, South Carolina Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology
| | - H. Lee Higdon
- Greenville Hospital System University Medical Center, Greenville, South Carolina Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology
| | - Jane E. Johnson
- Greenville Hospital System University Medical Center, Greenville, South Carolina Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Peroxides in mineral oil used for in vitro fertilization: defining limits of standard quality control assays. J Assist Reprod Genet 2010; 27:87-92. [PMID: 20107889 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-009-9383-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2009] [Accepted: 12/22/2009] [Indexed: 10/19/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To determine the relative sensitivities of the 1 and 2-cell mouse embryo assays (MEA) and the human sperm motility assay (HSMA) for peroxides in mineral oil. The effect of peroxide on blastocyst cell number and apoptosis was also studied. METHODS One and two-cell MEA and HSMA were performed using mineral oil containing cumene hydroperoxide (CH). RESULTS The 1-cell MEA was twice as sensitive as the 2-cell MEA and 20-times more sensitive than the HSMA for CH in mineral oil. The sensitivity of the 1-cell MEA doubled when embryos were cultured individually versus group culture. CH decreased blastocyst cell number in a dose dependent manner. CONCLUSIONS Individually cultured 1-cell embryos had the highest sensitivity for peroxides in mineral oil. Current quality control assays, including group cultured murine embryos and human sperm motility, have limited sensitivity for peroxides in mineral oil and may not detect levels of peroxides that cause sub-lethal cellular damage.
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Punt–van der Zalm JPEM, Hendriks JCM, Westphal JR, Kremer JAM, Teerenstra S, Wetzels AMM. Toxicity testing of human assisted reproduction devices using the mouse embryo assay. Reprod Biomed Online 2009; 18:529-35. [DOI: 10.1016/s1472-6483(10)60130-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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Hwang IS, Park MR, Moon HJ, Shim JH, Kim DH, Yang BC, Ko YG, Yang BS, Cheong HT, Im GS. Osmolarity at early culture stage affects development and expression of apoptosis related genes (Bax-alpha and Bcl-xl) in pre-implantation porcine NT embryos. Mol Reprod Dev 2008; 75:464-71. [PMID: 17948237 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.20785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
This study examined whether high osmolarity of culture medium at the early culture stage affects development and expression of apoptosis related genes (Bax-alpha and Bcl-xl) of porcine nuclear transfer (NT) and in vitro fertilization (IVF) embryos. NT and IVF embryos were divided into three groups and the basic medium was PZM-3 (260-270 mOsmol, control group). The control group of embryos was cultured in PZM-3 for whole culture period. Other two groups of embryos were cultured in a modified PZM-3 with 0.05 M sucrose (300-320 mOsmol, sucrose group) or increased NaCl to 138 mM (300-320 mOsmol, NaCl group) for the first 2 days, and then cultured in PZM-3 for 4 days. NT embryos cultured in NaCl group showed a significantly higher developmental rate to the blastocyst stage with a decreased apoptosis rate compared to the control (P < 0.05). There was no difference in blastocyst formation and apoptosis incidence among the three culture treatments for IVF-derived embryos. Bax-alpha mRNA expression was significantly higher in the control than sucrose or NaCl group for both NT and IVF embryos (P < 0.05). Moreover, the relative abundance of Bax-alpha/Bcl-xl was higher in the control than the treatment groups. These results indicate that the higher osmolarity at the early embryonic stage of porcine NT and IVF embryos can improve the in vitro development with reduced apoptosis through regulating the Bax-alpha/Bcl-xl gene expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- In-Sun Hwang
- Division of Animal Biotechnology, National Livestock Research Institute, RDA, Suwon, Korea
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21
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Lane M, Mitchell M, Cashman KS, Feil D, Wakefield S, Zander-Fox DL. To QC or not to QC: the key to a consistent laboratory? Reprod Fertil Dev 2008; 20:23-32. [DOI: 10.1071/rd07161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
A limiting factor in every embryology laboratory is its capacity to grow ‘normal’ embryos. In human in vitro fertilisation (IVF), there is considerable awareness that the environment of the laboratory itself can alter the quality of the embryos produced and the industry as a whole has moved towards the implementation of auditable quality management systems. Furthermore, in some countries, such as Australia, an established quality management system is mandatory for clinical IVF practice, but such systems are less frequently found in other embryology laboratories. Although the same challenges of supporting consistent and repeatable embryo development are paramount to success in all embryology laboratories, it could be argued that they are more important in a research setting where often the measured outcomes are at an intracellular or molecular level. In the present review, we have outlined the role and importance of quality control and quality assurance systems in any embryo laboratory and have highlighted examples of how simple monitoring can provide consistency and avoid the induction of artefacts, irrespective of the laboratory’s purpose, function or species involved.
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Lierman S, De Sutter P, Dhont M, Van der Elst J. Double-quality control reveals high-level toxicity in gloves used for operator protection in assisted reproductive technology. Fertil Steril 2007; 88:1266-72. [PMID: 17467705 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2007.01.113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2006] [Revised: 01/18/2007] [Accepted: 01/18/2007] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To submit different glove brands to double-quality control tests using mouse embryo assay (MEA) and the human sperm motility assay (HuSMA). Operator protection against infectious body fluid contamination is a safety issue in assisted reproductive technology (ART). When using gloves in the ART laboratory, toxic substances can be transmitted to culture media, even during brief contact. DESIGN Quality control study of gloves in ART. SETTING University hospital-based infertility center. ANIMAL(S) Seven- to 8-week-old female B6D2F1 hybrid mice. INTERVENTION(S) We tested two surgical, two cleanroom, and six examination glove brands. Only gloves brands that passed both HuSMA and MEA were submitted to further QC using zona-free and/or cryopreserved MEA. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Sperm motility index, two-cell and blastocyst development, blastocyst total cell number. RESULT(S) Quality control by MEA and HuSMA identified two glove brands to be nontoxic. CONCLUSION(S) Our study shows that gloves used in ART can be toxic and should be tested as part of an ongoing quality control program.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sylvie Lierman
- Infertility Centre, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium.
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23
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Affiliation(s)
- Lawrence C Tsen
- Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA.
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Abstract
PURPOSE To determine the viability of long-term, stored serum, which is used in human in vitro production as a source of energy substrates, amino acids, vitamins, growth factors, and other nutrients. METHOD Two-cell mouse embryos were used in this prospective, cohort study. Serum stored for 1-, 5-, 10-, and 12-year intervals was subjected to four replications of mouse-embryo testing. RESULT(S) There were no significant differences in blastocyst rates between any of the replicates by year (80-100% blastocyst rate; P > 00.1) or between pooled replicate means by time period. CONCLUSION(S) Serum may be frozen up to 12 years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer E. Graves
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Greenville Hospital System, Greenville, South Carolina
| | - H. Lee Higdon
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Greenville Hospital System, Greenville, South Carolina
| | - Jane E. Johnson
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Greenville Hospital System, Greenville, South Carolina
| | - Dawn W. Blackhurst
- Department of Quality Management, Greenville Hospital System, Greenville, South Carolina
| | - William R. Boone
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Greenville Hospital System, Greenville, South Carolina
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25
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Abstract
The early preimplantation mammalian embryo possesses mechanisms that regulate intracellular osmolarity and cell volume. While transport of osmotically active inorganic ions might play a role in this process in embryos, the major mechanisms that have been identified and studied are those that employ organic osmolytes. Organic osmolytes provide a substantial portion of intracellular osmotic support in embryos and are required for their development under in vivo conditions. The main osmolytes that have been identified in cleavage stage embryos are accumulated via two transport systems of the neurotransmitter transporter family active in early preimplantation embryos--the glycine transport system (GLY) and the beta-amino acid transport system (system beta). While system beta has been established to have a similar role in many other cells, this is a novel function for the GLY transport system. The intracellular concentration of organic osmolytes such as glycine in early preimplantation embryos is regulated by tonicity, allowing the embryo to regulate its volume against shrinkage and to control its internal osmolarity. In addition, the cells of the embryo can regulate against an increase in volume via controlled release of osmolytes from the cytoplasm. This is mediated by a swelling-activated anion channel that is also highly permeable to a range of organic osmolytes, and which closely resembles similar channels found in many other cell types (VSOAC channels). Together, these mechanisms appear to regulate cell volume in the egg through the early cleavage stages of embryogenesis, after which there are indications that the mechanisms of osmoregulation change.
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Affiliation(s)
- J M Baltz
- Ottawa Health Research Institute, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
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26
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Ludwig TE, Lane M, Bavister BD. Differential effect of hexoses on hamster embryo development in culture. Biol Reprod 2001; 64:1366-74. [PMID: 11319140 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod64.5.1366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
The effects of glucose, fructose, and galactose on hamster embryo development in the absence of phosphate were studied in culture. One- and two-cell embryos were cultured to the blastocyst stage in HECM-9 medium without hexose or in medium with increasing concentrations of hexoses. Embryo development, cell number, and cell allocation were assessed in blastocysts. Blastocyst viability was determined by transfer to pseudopregnant recipients. Although 0.25 mM fructose increased mean cell number, low glucose concentrations had no stimulatory effect on development to blastocyst. Both galactose and 5.0 mM glucose were detrimental to embryos. Addition of 0.5 mM glucose increased implantation and fetal viability as compared with controls. Compared with 0.5 mM glucose, treatment with 0.25 mM fructose gave similar implantation and fetal viability, whereas 5.0 mM glucose tended to decrease implantation and significantly decreased fetal development. These data demonstrate that morphology is a poor indicator of embryo viability and that exposure of preimplantation embryos to glucose or fructose is important for embryo viability post-transfer. Although no difference in blastocyst viability was detected between embryos cultured with 0.25 mM fructose and those cultured with 0.5 mM glucose, increased cell numbers obtained with fructose suggest that fructose may be more appropriate than glucose for inclusion in culture medium.
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Affiliation(s)
- T E Ludwig
- Department of Animal Health and Biomedical Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 53706, USA.
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27
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Chan PJ, Calinisan JH, Corselli JU, Patton WC, King A. Updating quality control assays in the assisted reproductive technologies laboratory with a cryopreserved hamster oocyte DNA cytogenotoxic assay. J Assist Reprod Genet 2001; 18:129-34. [PMID: 11411426 PMCID: PMC3455593 DOI: 10.1023/a:1009472323011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Despite advances in assisted reproduction, there is no progress in quality control bioassays. The objectives were to develop a comet assay to measure DNA fragmentation in thawed cryopreserved oocytes and compare this assay with one-cell mouse embryo bioassay. METHODS Thawed hamster oocytes from a commercial source were incubated in culture media with either 0-, 50-, or 100-microM hydrogen peroxide, or, in media exposed to different contact materials and unknown proficiency analytes. Incubation time was 1.5 h at 37 degrees C. The oocytes were dried, fixed, stained with acridine orange, embedded in a mini-agarose layer and electrophoresis was carried out. Fluorescent images were analyzed. The results were compared with standard one-cell mouse assay data. RESULTS The 100-microM hydrogen peroxide treatment caused greatest DNA fragmentation in the hamster oocytes at Hours 1 and 2. A dose response was observed. Intraassay coefficient of variation was 5.7%. Only one of the five materials tested passed both assays. The data for the unknown proficiency analytes were similar for both assays. CONCLUSIONS The oocyte comet assay demonstrated DNA fragmentation in the presence of toxic substances. The detection of toxicity in two materials that passed the mouse bioassay suggested increased sensitivity in the new assay. The oocyte comet assay and the mouse bioassay results matched in the proficiency test. However, more studies are still needed to determine optimal sensitivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- P J Chan
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, California 92350, USA.
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28
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Greenlee AR, Quail CA, Berg RL. Developmental alterations in murine embryos exposed in vitro to an estrogenic pesticide, o,p'-DDT. Reprod Toxicol 1999; 13:555-65. [PMID: 10613404 DOI: 10.1016/s0890-6238(99)00051-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
Culturing pronuclear embryos from CD-1 mice with o,p'-DDT and p,p'-DDT was examined as a means for directly evaluating toxicant risk and for increasing the speed of screening developmental toxicants. Pronuclear (2PN) embryos from CD-1 mice were cultured 96 h in modified Earle's balanced salt solution containing 0.1% (v/v) ethanol (control) or 10-fold dilutions of 17/beta-estradiol, o,p'-DDT, or p,p'-DDT. Compared to control treatment, 96 h incubation of 2PN embryos with 0.1 gg/mL o,p'-DDT significantly reduced embryo development to blastocyst and mean cell number, and increased the percentage of cells undergoing apoptosis. The effects of o,p'-DDT on developmental parameters were dose-responsive. Embryo sexing by multiplex polymerase chain reaction indicated that both sexes were susceptible to toxicant injury with comparable reduction in development to blastocyst (27% and 24%, respectively) in the presence of o,p'-DDT. Results of this study suggest that in vitro exposure of preimplantation embryos to xenobiotics may provide a useful tool for rapidly screening developmental toxicants.
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Affiliation(s)
- A R Greenlee
- National Farm Medicine Center, Marshfield Medical Research Foundation, Wisconsin 5449, USA.
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29
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Reddy VR, Thomas TS, Wright HR, Fisher MD, Edlich RF. The scientific basis of surgical glove selection in an in vitro fertilization laboratory. JOURNAL OF BIOMEDICAL MATERIALS RESEARCH 1999; 48:569-71. [PMID: 10421702 DOI: 10.1002/(sici)1097-4636(1999)48:4<569::aid-jbm24>3.0.co;2-g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Mouse embryos and human sperm are used as quality control bioassays in human in vitro fertilization (IVF) laboratories. These two models can reveal the cytotoxicty of items commonly used in IVF, such as surgical gloves. The literature published in this area points to the cytotoxicity of both glove powders and glove products.
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Affiliation(s)
- V R Reddy
- Department of Plastic Surgery, University of Virginia Health Sciences Center, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
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30
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Desai N, Scarrow M, Lawson J, Kinzer D, Goldfarb J. Evaluation of the effect of interleukin-6 and human extracellullar matrix on embryonic development. Hum Reprod 1999; 14:1588-92. [PMID: 10357981 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/14.6.1588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Extracellular matrices and their associated growth factors can modulate the in-vitro growth of cells. In this study, the effects of culture substrata and the cytokine interleukin-6 (IL-6) on embryonic development were investigated. In-vitro fertilized mouse oocytes were pooled and randomly distributed amongst treatment groups. The test treatments were: (i) IL-6, at either 500 or 1000 pg/ml; (ii) human extracellular matrix (HECM) applied to organ culture dishes at either 5.0 or 10.0 microg/ml; and (iii) HECM and IL-6 combined. A total of 1285 embryos was evaluated. The effect of IL-6 on embryos was dose dependent. Treated embryos exhibited higher blastulation and hatching rates than untreated control embryos. Culture of embryos on human matrix proteins versus standard culture surfaces significantly improved in-vitro hatching. The combination of both of these treatments was superior to the medium alone control, and the mean cell count per blastocyst was higher (131.7 +/- 29.7 versus 82. 5 +/- 14.3 in control embryos; P < 0.0001). In a pilot study with human triploid embryos, the HECM/IL-6 culture system appeared to support embryonic compaction, blastulation and hatching. This work suggests that extracellular matrix components in combination with growth factors/cytokines may be another avenue for formulating more physiological culture systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Desai
- Department of Reproductive Biology, Univ. MacDonald Women's Hospital, Case Western Reserve University, 11100 Euclid Av., Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
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31
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van den Bergh M, Baszó I, Biramane J, Bertrand E, Devreker F, Englert Y. Quality control in IVF with mouse bioassays: a four years' experience. J Assist Reprod Genet 1996; 13:733-8. [PMID: 8947824 DOI: 10.1007/bf02066429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We analyzed retrospectively the relevance of 4 years of quality control on homemade culture medium with the mouse IVF and zygote bioassay. DESIGN In vitro or in vivo fertilized mouse oocytes were cultured in each batch of medium. Two-cell-stage and expanded blastocyst development was recorded for each batch of medium. Data on fertilization and embryo quality obtained in human in vitro fertilization were recorded for each batch. IVF treatment cycles for male infertility and cycles with sperm microinjection were excluded. RESULTS Human oocyte fertilization dropped from 60 to 54%, respectively, from 57 to 41% in a significant way (P < 0.05 resp. P < 0.01) and the human mean embryo score decreased from 4.17 +/- 1.21 to 3.69 +/- 1.06 (P < 0.05) when media were used with a low two-cell-stage development (< or = 75%) for the mouse zygote or mouse IVF bioassay. The pregnancy rate was not affected. CONCLUSIONS Media with high scores in mouse bioassays show higher fertilization rates and better embryo quality when used for human IVF.
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Affiliation(s)
- M van den Bergh
- Fertility Clinic, Hôpital Erasme, French-Speaking Free University of Brussels, Belgium
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32
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Abstract
The mouse embryo bioassay (MEB) is a biologically relevant means of quality control (QC) in almost all modes of Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART). Such QC tests are essential to guarantee that all procedures performed and media used are of adequate quality which would not compromise subsequent pregnancy rates. Although most reports on the use of the MEB for QC in ART laboratories refer to its use in the QC of other parameters such as contact materials, contaminants and environmental parameters of the culture conditions, these same bioassays have been also criticized as not being sensitive enough to suboptimal culture conditions that may affect the outcome of human in-vitro fertilization. The aim of this review is to define the conditions of the MEB as a QC test as they may affect the outcome of human in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer (IVF-ET).
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33
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Rondeau M, Guay P, Goff AK, Cooke GM. Assessment of embryo potential by visual and metabolic evaluation. Theriogenology 1995; 44:351-66. [PMID: 16727735 DOI: 10.1016/0093-691x(95)00190-j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/1994] [Accepted: 03/15/1995] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Morphological evaluation of embryos is essential to the success of embryo transfer procedures and is presumed to reflect embryo metabolic activity. To investigate this assumption, correlations between morphological and metabolic parameters were determined for cultured murine morulae. After 18 h (n = 47) or 36 h (n = 48) of culture in M16, the developmental rate and quality (poor or good) of embryos were estimated, and, then, either their (14)C-glucose utilization or (35)s-methionine uptake and incorporation were measured. Retarded developing, or poor-quality embryos had lower mean glucose utilization, uptake and incorporation rates than normally developing or good-quality embryos (P < 0.05). After 18 h of culture, an association was found between developmental rate and metabolic activity, but this was not evident after 36 h of culture. Similarly, an association was found between embryo quality and metabolic activity. As expected, poor embryo quality was indicative of low metabolism throughout the culture period, but good quality did not necessarily indicate normal metabolic activity. Thus, morphological parameters do not always reflect metabolic competence, and some functional defects were not detectable by visual evaluation alone. Measuring metabolic parameters could complement visual evaluation for a better selection of embryos prior to transfer.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Rondeau
- Centre de Recherche en Reproduction Animale (CRRA), Université de Montréal, Québec, Canada
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34
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Weathersbee PS, Francis MM, Macaso TM, Sauer MV, Paulson RJ. A new long shelf life formulation of modified Ham's F-10 medium: biochemical and clinical evaluation. J Assist Reprod Genet 1995; 12:175-9. [PMID: 8520181 DOI: 10.1007/bf02211794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To evaluate biochemically and clinically a new formulation of modified Ham's F-10 medium made without the inclusion of hypoxanthine. The medium was formulated for long-term storage and use by separately preparing a stable liquid ("basal") portion and a freeze-dried "supplement" containing the labile medium components. RESULTS Following 18 months of storage the basal medium was biochemically analyzed for its amino acid (aa's) and vitamin content. Cysteine and tryptophan were decreased to less than 30% of their starting theoretical concentrations (STCs). Asparagine, serine, tyrosine, histidine and lysine were present at 50% to 70% of their STC. The remaining aa's were all within 90% of their STCs except arginine which was at 77%. All of the vitamins were present at 90% or more of their STCs except inositol, riboflavin and thiamine which were present at 70% of their STCs. IVF with the new formulation resulted in 13 deliveries from 51 aspirations (25%) as compared with 10/39 (26%) in 1991, when standard medium preparation was used. Oocyte donation resulted in 30 deliveries from 84 cycles (36%) with the new formulation as compared with 21/65 (32%) in 1991. CONCLUSIONS (1) The new basal with lyophilized supplement formulation produces similar clinical results in the IVF laboratory as medium prepared in the standard fashion, (2) certain amino acids and vitamins are not stable in the liquid basal medium, and (3) the separate formulation of a liquid basal medium with lyophilized supplement is convenient, viable alternative to modified Ham's F-10 medium prepared in the standard manner (i.e., from powder) and may decrease the need for frequent medium preparation.
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Affiliation(s)
- P S Weathersbee
- Organon Inc., Medical Services Department, West Orange, New Jersey 07052, USA
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35
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Clarke RN, Griffin PM, Biggers JD. Screening of maternal sera using a mouse embryo culture assay is not predictive of human embryo development or IVF outcome. J Assist Reprod Genet 1995; 12:20-5. [PMID: 7580005 DOI: 10.1007/bf02214124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Maternal serum is commonly added to media used for human IVF but can vary widely in its ability to support the development of human embryos in vitro. The objective of this study was to determine if the screening of maternal serum with a mouse one-cell embryo culture assay would be useful in predicting human embryo development and clinical outcome following IVF. METHODS Twenty-two individual serum samples from IVF patients were used as a supplement (7.5%) to Ham's F-10 media for culturing human embryos. All embryos were evaluated at the time of transfer for stage of development and embryo quality. Each serum sample was also tested for its ability to support mouse embryo development. One-cell embryos were recovered from superovulated female mice and cultured in serum-supplemented media. Mouse blastocyst development was assessed after 96 h of incubation. RESULTS No correlation was found between mouse blastocyst formation and human embryo development in media supplemented with maternal sera. Similarly, there was no association between the development of mouse blastocysts and clinical outcome following IVF. A subanalysis of patients whose sera tested poorly on the mouse assay again revealed no association between mouse and human embryo development. CONCLUSION Mouse embryo development in media containing human serum did not predict development of human embryos in vitro or clinical outcome following IVF. There would be little benefit to screening maternal sera using a mouse embryo culture system for determining its suitability for use in human IVF.
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Affiliation(s)
- R N Clarke
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
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36
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Tanikawa M. Effects of human serum supplementation on fertilization and development of mouse embryos. ASIA-OCEANIA JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNAECOLOGY 1994; 20:209-15. [PMID: 7522433 DOI: 10.1111/j.1447-0756.1994.tb00452.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Serum is generally used as a protein supplement in culture media for human in vitro fertilization (IVF). To determine the effects of serum supplementation on the development of preimplantation embryos, one-cell and two-cell mouse embryos fertilized in vitro and in vivo were cultured in BWW medium supplemented with preovulatory patient serum (PS), human fetal cord serum (HCS), or bovine serum albumin (BSA). The rates of fertilization and development of embryos fertilized in vitro and in vivo were suppressed when the embryos were cultured with PS or HCS as compared with BSA. In the medium supplemented with HCS, growth of in vitro fertilized embryos was retarded at an earlier embryonic stage than was the case with embryos fertilized in vivo. These results suggest that the in vitro fertilized embryo culture model is more sensitive to culture conditions than is the in vivo fertilized embryo culture model. Incorporations of [3H]uridine and [3H]leucine were measured using embryos that developed to the blastocyst stage in a medium supplemented with HCS or BSA. Blastocysts cultured with HCS showed significantly higher incorporations of [3H]uridine and [3H]leucine than those cultured with BSA. While serum supplementation in culture media has adverse effects on embryo cleavage, it augments synthesis of RNA and protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Tanikawa
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Tottori University, Japan
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37
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Desai NN, Kennard EA, Kniss DA, Friedman CI. Novel human endometrial cell line promotes blastocyst development**Presented in part at the 48th Annual Meeting of The American Fertility Society, New Orleans, Louisiana, October 31 to November 5, 1992. Fertil Steril 1994. [DOI: 10.1016/s0015-0282(16)56659-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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38
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Burwinkel TH, Kim HN, Buster JE, Minhas BS, Carson SA. Embryo survival after pronuclear microinjection and trophectoderm biopsy. Am J Obstet Gynecol 1994; 170:1199-203. [PMID: 8166210 DOI: 10.1016/s0002-9378(94)70122-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Our purpose was to compare murine embryo development after pronuclear microinjection of a gene construct, followed by trophectoderm biopsy at the blastocyst state, with development after a single micromanipulation, and with cultured controls. STUDY DESIGN alpha-Myosin heavy-chain gene sequence was microinjected into the murine embryo pronucleus and cultured to blastocyst. After trophectoderm biopsy the embryos were allowed to re-expand. Re-expanded embryos were transferred to pseudopregnant females; implantation and live birth rates were recorded. In this study group the rates were compared with three control groups of embryos simultaneously cultured after (1) pronuclear microinjection only, (2) trophectoderm biopsy only, and (3) non-micromanipulated, culture only. RESULTS A total of 1222 embryos were divided among the four groups. In the study group 472 embryos underwent pronuclear microinjection and trophectoderm biopsy. Of these, 203 (43%) reached the blastocyst stage and underwent biopsy; 183 (38.8%) re-expanded after biopsy. Of 275 pronuclear microinjected only (control 1) embryos, 113 (41.1%) reached the blastocyst stage. Of 336 embryos 148 (44.0%) reached the blastocyst stage and underwent trophectoderm biopsy only (control 2); 129 (39.2%) survived biopsy. The cultured only group (control 3) consisted of 139 pronuclear embryos; 67 (48.2%) developed to the blastocyst stage. CONCLUSIONS Murine embryos can survive two micro-manipulations, pronuclear microinjection followed by trophectoderm micro-biopsy. Although there is minimal effect of these procedures on embryonic development in vitro, the live birth rate is tenuous.
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Affiliation(s)
- T H Burwinkel
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Tennessee, Memphis 38163
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39
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Scott LF, Sundaram SG, Smith S. The relevance and use of mouse embryo bioassays for quality control in an assisted reproductive technology program. Fertil Steril 1993; 60:559-68. [PMID: 8375542 DOI: 10.1016/s0015-0282(16)56176-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To define both the limits of a mouse embryo bioassay for quality control in an assisted reproductive technology (ART) program and the areas where it can be effectively used. DESIGN Embryos at the pronuclear and two-cell stage from three different strains of mice were used to assess the effectiveness of this assay for media quality control using five different media routinely used in ART. Pronuclear and two-cell embryos from CD-1 mice were used to test the ability of a mouse embryo bioassay to control for water quality, contaminants in the culture system, and fluctuations in the environmental conditions using a medium, culture system, and scoring technique that were optimized for this strain. RESULTS The mouse embryo bioassay is not effective in differentiating media appropriate for supporting human embryo development since the development of mouse embryos in vitro is strain, stage, and media related. However, CD-1 embryos were shown to be sensitive to variations in water quality, pH, temperature, incubator conditions, and contaminants in the system when grown in a protein-free medium optimized for their development. Both total blastocyst number and the cell count in the blastocysts were affected. Pronuclear embryos were more sensitive to perturbations in the culture system than two-cell embryos. CONCLUSIONS A mouse embryo bioassay can be effectively used as a means of quality control of water, chemicals, and contact materials and for technique standardization and training in an assisted reproduction program. All the conditions of the test should be defined, pronuclear embryos should be used, and the end point should be fully expanded blastocysts and/or cell numbers in these blastocysts where appropriate.
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Affiliation(s)
- L F Scott
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sinai Hospital of Baltimore, Baltimore, Maryland 21215
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40
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De Silva M. Effect of storage of Ham's F-10 medium on one-cell mouse embryo development in vitro. J Assist Reprod Genet 1993; 10:238-41. [PMID: 8400740 DOI: 10.1007/bf01239230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- M De Silva
- Michigan Reproductive & IVF Center, Grand Rapids 49503
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41
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Fleetham JA, Pattinson HA, Mortimer D. The mouse embryo culture system: improving the sensitivity for use as a quality control assay for human in vitro fertilization. Fertil Steril 1993; 59:192-6. [PMID: 8419207 DOI: 10.1016/s0015-0282(16)55638-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine whether the mouse embryo culture system can be sensitized to provide improved differentiation of suboptimal culture media for in vitro fertilization. DESIGN Mouse embryo development in media prepared from one of three water sources were compared using embryos from two mouse strains, culturing embryos from either zygote or two-cell stage, and pretreating with either zona removal and/or cryopreservation. SETTING Academic research department, tertiary care referral center. RESULTS Embryos from CD1 mice were able to develop in suboptimal culture conditions, even when pretreated with zona removal or cryopreservation. Embryos from B6CBA/F1J mice were more sensitive to suboptimal culture conditions when harvested at the zygote stage than at the two-cell stage, and this sensitivity was improved after zona removal before culture. CONCLUSIONS The mouse embryo culture system has deficiencies as an assay of culture medium quality, but the sensitivity of the assay can be optimized by harvesting at the zygote stage from an appropriate strain and by zona pellucida removal before culture.
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Affiliation(s)
- J A Fleetham
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Foothills Hospital, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
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42
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Hay-Schmidt A. The influence of osmolality on mouse two-cell development. J Assist Reprod Genet 1993; 10:95-8. [PMID: 8499687 DOI: 10.1007/bf01204448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- A Hay-Schmidt
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Rigshospitalet, Denmark
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43
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Brandriff BF, Gordon LA. Spatial distribution of sperm-derived chromatin in zygotes determined by fluorescence in situ hybridization. Mutat Res 1992; 296:33-42. [PMID: 1279406 DOI: 10.1016/0165-1110(92)90030-d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Fluorescence in situ hybridization was used to determine the spatial distribution of chromatin in zygote pronuclei. A hybrid system involving golden hamster eggs and individual human sperm permitted use of DNA probes specific for the entire human chromosome 4, for the heterochromatic region on the long arm of the human Y chromosome and for unique DNA sequences on human chromosome 19. Chromosome 4 occupied a circumscribed domain in the pronuclei, similar to findings in somatic interphases. Unlike the situation in somatic interphases, the Y heterochromatin was extended throughout the first cell cycle. Pronuclear chromatin was extended 3- to 4-fold compared to somatic interphase chromatin. The extended pronuclear chromatin conformation is likely to affect a zygote's susceptibility to environmental hazards.
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Affiliation(s)
- B F Brandriff
- Human Genome Center, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, CA 94550
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44
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Francis MM, Macaso T, Sauer MV, Paulson RJ. Embryotoxicity of three commercially available powderless surgical gloves. J Assist Reprod Genet 1992; 9:283-5. [PMID: 1525463 DOI: 10.1007/bf01203830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The one-cell mouse embryo bioassay was utilized to test the embryotoxicity of three brands of powerless surgical gloves; Pristine, Ansell, and BioGel. The Pristine gloves demonstrated no significant embryotoxicity, while the other two brands demonstrated a consistent inhibition of blastocyst development of one-cell mouse embryos.
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Affiliation(s)
- M M Francis
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Southern California School of Medicine 90024
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45
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Léveillé MC, Carnegie J, Tanphaichitr N. Effects of human sera and human serum albumin on mouse embryo culture. J Assist Reprod Genet 1992; 9:45-52. [PMID: 1617250 DOI: 10.1007/bf01204114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Human proteins normally used to supplement human in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET) culture media were tested for their effects on mouse embryo development from the zygote stage. These proteins included follicular and luteal-phase maternal sera, fetal cord sera, and both human and bovine serum albumin. Our results revealed that both maternal and fetal cord sera did not permit mouse blastocyst formation. Furthermore, predialysis of the human maternal sera and removal of IgG by protein A column chromatography did not improve their support of mouse embryonic development to the blastocyst stage. Similar detrimental effects were observed with maternal sera from term-pregnant IVF-ET patients. Interestingly, these serum samples had supported the in vitro growth of the human zygotes which resulted in these patients' pregnancies. Only some batches of human serum albumin supported mouse blastocyst formation, whereas all sources of bovine serum albumin were effective in this regard. These results raise the question of the suitability of the mouse embryo culture system as a quality control for the testing of protein supplements for human IVF-ET.
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Affiliation(s)
- M C Léveillé
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Loeb Research Institute, Ottawa Civic Hospital, University of Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
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Sauer MV, Francis M, Macaso T, Paulson RJ. The effect of chemiluminescent light exposure on the in vitro development of mouse embryos. JOURNAL OF IN VITRO FERTILIZATION AND EMBRYO TRANSFER : IVF 1991; 8:290-2. [PMID: 1757744 DOI: 10.1007/bf01139787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- M V Sauer
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles 90024
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47
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Gorrill MJ, Rinehart JS, Tamhane AC, Gerrity M. Comparison of the hamster sperm motility assay to the mouse one-cell and two-cell embryo bioassays as quality control tests for in vitro fertilization. Fertil Steril 1991; 55:345-54. [PMID: 1991533 DOI: 10.1016/s0015-0282(16)54128-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
The hamster sperm motility assay, mouse one-cell embryo, and mouse two-cell embryo bioassays were used to test modified Tyrode's solution and modified Ham's F-10 (Gibco, Grand Island, NY) medium prepared in tap water versus ultrapure water. Factors influencing the ability of each assay to discriminate water quality were evaluated to characterize these assays for quality control use in the in vitro fertilization laboratory. The hamster sperm motility assay reproducibly detected differences in treatment without significant interanimal, interanalyst, or interassay variation. Interanalyst and interanimal variation significantly affected the ability to detect treatment differences using the mouse bioassays. Sample sizes needed to predict clinically significant treatment effects were calculated using varying assay conditions. Ham's F-10 medium can be tested with the hamster sperm motility assay.
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48
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Paulson RJ, Sauer MV, Lobo RA. Factors affecting embryo implantation after human in vitro fertilization: a hypothesis. Am J Obstet Gynecol 1990; 163:2020-3. [PMID: 2256515 DOI: 10.1016/0002-9378(90)90790-e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
In the clinical practice of human in vitro fertilization, pregnancy is dependent on embryo implantation. Pregnancy is a function of the number of embryos transferred, with multiple embryos resulting in a higher likelihood of pregnancy. We formulated a mathematic model of embryo implantation. This model describes embryo implantation as dependent on three factors--transfer efficiency, embryo quality, and endometrial receptivity. Application of existing embryo implantation data to this model allows the calculation of the approximate value of each of these factors. On the basis of historic data, data obtained from our in vitro fertilization program, and these theoretic considerations, it is our hypothesis that (1) there is an inherent inefficiency associated with the mechanical transfer of embryos into the uterine cavity, which limits the maximal embryo implantation rate; (2) the quality of embryos produced by controlled ovarian hyperstimulation, follicle aspiration, and in vitro fertilization is very high and approaches that of embryos produced in natural cycles in vivo; and (3) endometrial receptivity is markedly diminished in stimulated cycles and is the current rate-limiting step of pregnancy success of in vitro fertilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- R J Paulson
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Southern California School of Medicine, Los Angeles
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Randall GW, Gantt PA. Preimplantation murine embryos are more resistant than human embryos to bacterial endotoxins. JOURNAL OF IN VITRO FERTILIZATION AND EMBRYO TRANSFER : IVF 1990; 7:280-2. [PMID: 2254692 DOI: 10.1007/bf01129535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Bacterial endotoxins have been correlated with increased fragmentation of early cleavage-stage human embryos and decreased pregnancy rates in human in vitro fertilization programs. The purpose of the present study was to test the direct effects of increasing concentrations of endotoxins on in vitro fertilization and development of mouse embryos to the blastocyst stage. Sexually mature B6D2F1 female mice were superovulated and oocytecumulus complexes were collected from the oviducts and randomized into control and treatment groups. Oocytes (n = 867) were inseminated with capacitated sperm. Treatments included Ham's F-10 supplemented with 3 mg/ml bovine serum albumin and increasing amounts of endotoxin (0.35, 0.64, 0.92, 1.5, 2.08, 3.21, 6.07, and 11.79 ng/ml). Percentage cleavage, percentage fragmentation at the four-cell stage, and percentage expanded blastocyst formation (of cleaved embryos) were evaluated. Statistically significant decreases in cleavage at 6.07 ng/ml (P less than 0.05) and blastocyst formation at 11.79 ng/ml (P less than 0.05) of endotoxin were observed. Fragmentation at the four-cell stage was significantly increased at 3.21 ng/ml (P less than 0.05) of endotoxin. We conclude that the levels of endotoxin necessary to decrease murine preimplantation development significantly is higher than that reported for human embryos.
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Affiliation(s)
- G W Randall
- Appalachian Fertility and Endocrinology Center, Bristol, Tennessee 37920
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50
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Montoro L, Subias E, Young P, Baccaro M, Swanson J, Sueldo C. Detection of endotoxin in human in vitro fertilization by the zona-free mouse embryo assay. Fertil Steril 1990; 54:109-12. [PMID: 2358077 DOI: 10.1016/s0015-0282(16)53645-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Endotoxin has been found to be a contaminant in human in vitro fertilization (IVF), leading to low pregnancy rates, mostly through embryo fragmentation. We wished to determine if standard quality control assays (one-cell and two-cell mouse embryo culture) were able to detect the presence of endotoxin and how they compared with the zona-free mouse embryo assays. Endotoxin was detected by the zona-free mouse embryo assays but not by the one- or two-cell mouse embryo assays. When excessive embryo fragmentation is noticed in the human IVF system, the use of zona-free mouse embryo assays is recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Montoro
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of California, San Francisco-Fresno
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