1
|
Mulligan BP, Skidmore JA. A comparison of culture and cooling for the short term preservation of in vivo derived dromedary camel embryos of varying morphological quality. Theriogenology 2023; 210:28-33. [PMID: 37467696 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2023.07.015] [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: 01/20/2023] [Revised: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/21/2023]
Abstract
Despite recent advancements in the cryopreservation of dromedary camel embryos, widespread application of the technique is still limited by the need for specialised vitrification equipment and supplies. Temporary, liquid-phase embryo storage methods provide a useful tool for short-term preservation of camel embryos. In the current study, we compared the use of in vitro embryo culture with cold liquid storage in order to maintain both high- (Grade 1- Excellent and 2-Good) and low- (Grade 3- Moderate and 4-Poor) morphological grade Day-7 dromedary camel embryos in vitro for up to 3 days. Embryos were either cooled and placed in Hams-F10 medium supplemented with HEPES and 10% FBS and then kept at 4 °C; or placed in Hams-F10 supplemented with sodium bicarbonate and 10% FBS and then cultured in a humidified atmosphere of 6% CO2 at 37 °C before being assessed for viability at 24 h. In high-morphological grade embryos, both cold storage and culture supported 100% viability (maintenance of normal morphology) over this period (Cooled n = 22, Cultured n = 20). In low-morphological grade embryos, culture supported higher viability (16/18, 88.9%) than did cooling (4/18, 22.2%). We then evaluated the effect of up to 3 days of cold storage or culture on embryo morphological grade, diameter, and developmental competence following embryo transfer. High-grade embryos were divided between culture and cold storage; low-grade embryos were evaluated only after culture. Over 3 days of culture, both high- and low-grade embryos tended to either maintain or improve upon their initial morphological score (P < 0.05) and increased in diameter (P < 0.001). Embryos subjected to cooling tended to have reduced morphological scores by 48 h of storage and decreased in diameter by 72 h (P < 0.05). No significant influence of storage method (cooling vs. culture), duration (24-72 h), or embryo grade (high vs low) was observed on pregnancy establishment at Day-60 (22.2%-57.2% pregnancy rates for all treatments). Overall, rates of pregnancy establishment were similar for transferred cultured (n = 45) and cooled (n = 45) embryos (pregnancy rates at Day 18, 48% vs 51.1%; at Day 60, 37.7% vs 37.7%). Rates of embryonic loss also were similar (22.7% vs 26%). In conclusion, whilst similar rates of pregnancy and pregnancy loss were observed following the transfer of both cooled and cultured embryos held in vitro for up to 3 days, amongst the two methods, only embryo culture appears to provide a means of effectively preserving Day- 7 dromedary camel embryos with reduced morphological values in vitro. Considering these embryos appear to show poor tolerance to the cooling procedure and are unlikely candidates for vitrification, embryo culture may provide an effective method for deriving pregnancies from low-morphological grade embryos when immediate transfer is not possible on the day of flushing.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- B P Mulligan
- Camel Reproduction Centre, Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
| | - J A Skidmore
- Camel Reproduction Centre, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Mukunoki A, Takeo T, Nakao S, Tamura K, Horikoshi Y, Nakagata N. Simple transport and cryopreservation of cold-stored mouse embryos. Exp Anim 2020; 69:423-429. [PMID: 32554941 PMCID: PMC7677088 DOI: 10.1538/expanim.20-0042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The cold storage of two-cell embryos is a useful technique for transporting genetically
engineered mice without the shipment of live animals. However, the developmental ability
of cold-stored embryos decreases with prolonged storage periods. Therefore, the
transported embryos must be readily transferred to recipient mice upon arrival. The
cryopreservation of cold-transported embryos may improve the flexibility of the schedule
of embryo transfer. In this paper, we examined the viability and developmental ability of
vitrified-warmed mouse embryos at the two-cell stage after cold storage in refrigerated
temperatures for 0, 24, 48, 72, or 96 h. The viability of vitrified-warmed embryos after
cold storage was comparable to vitrified-warmed embryos without cold storage.
Vitrified-warmed embryos after cold storage also developed normally to pups by embryo
transfer. In addition, live pups were obtained from vitrified-warmed embryos after
cold-transportation from Asahikawa Medical University. In summary, cold-stored embryos can
be used for the transportation and archive of genetically engineered mice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ayumi Mukunoki
- Division of Reproductive Engineering, Center for Animal Resources and Development (CARD), Kumamoto University, 2-2-1 Honjo, Kumamoto 860-0811, Japan
| | - Toru Takeo
- Division of Reproductive Engineering, Center for Animal Resources and Development (CARD), Kumamoto University, 2-2-1 Honjo, Kumamoto 860-0811, Japan
| | - Satohiro Nakao
- Division of Reproductive Engineering, Center for Animal Resources and Development (CARD), Kumamoto University, 2-2-1 Honjo, Kumamoto 860-0811, Japan
| | - Kana Tamura
- Division of Reproductive Engineering, Center for Animal Resources and Development (CARD), Kumamoto University, 2-2-1 Honjo, Kumamoto 860-0811, Japan
| | - Yuka Horikoshi
- Division of Reproductive Engineering, Center for Animal Resources and Development (CARD), Kumamoto University, 2-2-1 Honjo, Kumamoto 860-0811, Japan
| | - Naomi Nakagata
- Division of Reproductive Biotechnology and Innovation, Center for Animal Resources and Development (CARD), Kumamoto University, 2-2-1 Honjo, Kumamoto 860-0811, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Abstract
Development of assisted reproductive technologies has been driven by the goals of reducing the incidence of infertility, increasing the number of offspring from genetically elite animals, facilitating genetic manipulation, aiding preservation and long-distance movement of germplasm, and generating research material. Superovulation is associated with reduced fertilization rate and alterations in endometrial function. In vitro production of embryos can have a variety of consequences. Most embryos produced in vitro are capable of establishing pregnancy and developing into healthy neonatal animals. However, in vitro production is associated with reduced ability to develop to the blastocyst stage, increased incidence of failure to establish pregnancy, placental dysfunction, and altered fetal development. Changes in the developmental program mean that some consequences of being produced in vitro can extend into adult life. Reduced competence of the embryo produced in vitro to develop to the blastocyst stage is caused largely by disruption of events during oocyte maturation and fertilization. Conditions during embryo culture can affect embryo freezability and competence to establish pregnancy after transfer. Culture conditions, including actions of embryokines, can also affect the postnatal phenotype of the resultant progeny.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Peter J Hansen
- Department of Animal Sciences, D.H. Barron Reproductive and Perinatal Biology Research Program and Genetics Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32611-0910, USA;
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Martinez CA, Cambra JM, Nohalez A, Parrilla I, Roca J, Vazquez JL, Rodriguez-Martinez H, Gil MA, Martinez EA, Cuello C. Prevention of hatching of porcine morulae and blastocysts by liquid storage at 20 °C. Sci Rep 2019; 9:6219. [PMID: 30996298 PMCID: PMC6470143 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-42712-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2019] [Accepted: 04/01/2019] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Vitrification is the ideal method for long-lasting storage of porcine embryos. However, both strict airline regulations for transport of liquid nitrogen dewars and the technical problems experienced when vitrified embryos are transferred using non-surgical procedures have led to the introduction of alternative storage methods, such as preserving embryos in liquid state. This study evaluated whether a pH-stable medium containing high concentrations of either foetal calf serum (FCS; 50%) or BSA (4%) combined with storage at temperatures of 17 °C or 20 °C maintained in vivo-derived morulae and blastocysts alive and unhatched (a sanitary requirement for embryo transportation) during 72 h of storage. Neither FCS nor BSA supplements were able to counteract the negative effect of low temperatures (17 °C) on embryonic survival after storage. At 20 °C, the protective effect of FCS or BSA depended on embryo stage. While FCS successfully arrested embryo development of only blastocysts, BSA arrested the development of both morulae and blastocysts. Over 80% of BSA arrested embryos restarted development by conventional culture and progressed to further embryonic stages, including hatching. In conclusion, porcine morulae and blastocysts can survive and remain unhatched during at least 72 h when stored at 20 °C in a BSA-containing medium.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cristina A Martinez
- Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, International Excellence Campus for Higher Education and Research "Campus Mare Nostrum", University of Murcia, 30100, Murcia, Spain
- Institute for Biomedical Research of Murcia (IMIB-Arrixaca), Campus de Ciencias de la Salud, Carretera Buenavista s/n, 30120, El Palmar, Murcia, Spain
| | - Josep M Cambra
- Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, International Excellence Campus for Higher Education and Research "Campus Mare Nostrum", University of Murcia, 30100, Murcia, Spain
- Institute for Biomedical Research of Murcia (IMIB-Arrixaca), Campus de Ciencias de la Salud, Carretera Buenavista s/n, 30120, El Palmar, Murcia, Spain
| | - Alicia Nohalez
- Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, International Excellence Campus for Higher Education and Research "Campus Mare Nostrum", University of Murcia, 30100, Murcia, Spain
- Institute for Biomedical Research of Murcia (IMIB-Arrixaca), Campus de Ciencias de la Salud, Carretera Buenavista s/n, 30120, El Palmar, Murcia, Spain
| | - Inmaculada Parrilla
- Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, International Excellence Campus for Higher Education and Research "Campus Mare Nostrum", University of Murcia, 30100, Murcia, Spain
- Institute for Biomedical Research of Murcia (IMIB-Arrixaca), Campus de Ciencias de la Salud, Carretera Buenavista s/n, 30120, El Palmar, Murcia, Spain
| | - Jordi Roca
- Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, International Excellence Campus for Higher Education and Research "Campus Mare Nostrum", University of Murcia, 30100, Murcia, Spain
- Institute for Biomedical Research of Murcia (IMIB-Arrixaca), Campus de Ciencias de la Salud, Carretera Buenavista s/n, 30120, El Palmar, Murcia, Spain
| | - Jose L Vazquez
- Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, International Excellence Campus for Higher Education and Research "Campus Mare Nostrum", University of Murcia, 30100, Murcia, Spain
- Institute for Biomedical Research of Murcia (IMIB-Arrixaca), Campus de Ciencias de la Salud, Carretera Buenavista s/n, 30120, El Palmar, Murcia, Spain
| | | | - Maria A Gil
- Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, International Excellence Campus for Higher Education and Research "Campus Mare Nostrum", University of Murcia, 30100, Murcia, Spain
- Institute for Biomedical Research of Murcia (IMIB-Arrixaca), Campus de Ciencias de la Salud, Carretera Buenavista s/n, 30120, El Palmar, Murcia, Spain
| | - Emilio A Martinez
- Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, International Excellence Campus for Higher Education and Research "Campus Mare Nostrum", University of Murcia, 30100, Murcia, Spain.
- Institute for Biomedical Research of Murcia (IMIB-Arrixaca), Campus de Ciencias de la Salud, Carretera Buenavista s/n, 30120, El Palmar, Murcia, Spain.
| | - Cristina Cuello
- Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, International Excellence Campus for Higher Education and Research "Campus Mare Nostrum", University of Murcia, 30100, Murcia, Spain
- Institute for Biomedical Research of Murcia (IMIB-Arrixaca), Campus de Ciencias de la Salud, Carretera Buenavista s/n, 30120, El Palmar, Murcia, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Ge L, Yang S, Liang H, Liu X, Liu W, Ding Y, Huang Y, Liu Z. Production of F0 mice from embryonic stem cells injected eight-cell stage embryos which stored at refrigeration temperature. Cryobiology 2018; 86:89-94. [PMID: 30472039 DOI: 10.1016/j.cryobiol.2018.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2017] [Revised: 11/08/2018] [Accepted: 11/21/2018] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
At refrigeration temperature, mouse embryos can retain their developmental ability for a couple of days. Previous research reports have focused on the effect of cool temperature on the development of 2-cell stage embryos, morulae or blastocysts and determined that the embryo still has the ability to produce offspring after about 48 h storage at refrigeration temperature. Here we examined whether refrigeration temperature affects the development of the eight-cell stage and if the stored eight-cell stage embryo can still be used as a host embryo for ES cell injection. Our results show that eight-cell stage embryos can develop into blastocysts and yield pups after cold storage for 24 and 48 h. After ES cell injection, stored eight-cell stage embryos can support ES cells developing to F0 pups. In summary, cool storage can preserve the developmental ability of eight-cell stage embryos for at least 48 h, allowing transportation of the embryos at refrigeration temperature between different labs and their subsequent use as host embryos for ES cell injection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Liangpeng Ge
- Chongqing Academy of Animal Sciences, Chongqing, 402460, China; Key Laboratory of Pig Industry Sciences, Ministry of Agriculture, Chongqing, 402460, China; Key Laboratory of Pig Industry Sciences, Chongqing, 402460, China
| | - Songquan Yang
- Chongqing Academy of Animal Sciences, Chongqing, 402460, China; Key Laboratory of Pig Industry Sciences, Ministry of Agriculture, Chongqing, 402460, China; Key Laboratory of Pig Industry Sciences, Chongqing, 402460, China
| | - Hao Liang
- Chongqing Academy of Animal Sciences, Chongqing, 402460, China; Key Laboratory of Pig Industry Sciences, Ministry of Agriculture, Chongqing, 402460, China; Key Laboratory of Pig Industry Sciences, Chongqing, 402460, China
| | - Xueqin Liu
- Chongqing Academy of Animal Sciences, Chongqing, 402460, China; Key Laboratory of Pig Industry Sciences, Ministry of Agriculture, Chongqing, 402460, China; Key Laboratory of Pig Industry Sciences, Chongqing, 402460, China
| | - Wen Liu
- Chongqing Academy of Animal Sciences, Chongqing, 402460, China; Key Laboratory of Pig Industry Sciences, Ministry of Agriculture, Chongqing, 402460, China; Key Laboratory of Pig Industry Sciences, Chongqing, 402460, China
| | - Yuchun Ding
- Chongqing Academy of Animal Sciences, Chongqing, 402460, China; Key Laboratory of Pig Industry Sciences, Ministry of Agriculture, Chongqing, 402460, China; Key Laboratory of Pig Industry Sciences, Chongqing, 402460, China
| | - Yong Huang
- Chongqing Academy of Animal Sciences, Chongqing, 402460, China; Key Laboratory of Pig Industry Sciences, Ministry of Agriculture, Chongqing, 402460, China; Key Laboratory of Pig Industry Sciences, Chongqing, 402460, China.
| | - Zuohua Liu
- Chongqing Academy of Animal Sciences, Chongqing, 402460, China; Key Laboratory of Pig Industry Sciences, Ministry of Agriculture, Chongqing, 402460, China; Key Laboratory of Pig Industry Sciences, Chongqing, 402460, China.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Martinez C, Nohalez A, Parrilla I, Lucas X, Sanchez-Osorio J, Roca J, Cuello C, Rodriguez-Martinez H, Martinez E, Gil M. Simple storage (CO2-free) of porcine morulae for up to three days maintains the in vitro viability and developmental competence. Theriogenology 2018; 108:229-238. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2017.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2017] [Revised: 12/01/2017] [Accepted: 12/01/2017] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
|
7
|
Horikoshi Y, Takeo T, Nakagata N. N-acetyl cysteine prolonged the developmental ability of mouse two-cell embryos against oxidative stress at refrigerated temperatures. Cryobiology 2016; 72:198-204. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cryobiol.2016.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2016] [Revised: 04/25/2016] [Accepted: 05/04/2016] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
|
8
|
Martinez EA, Angel MA, Cuello C, Sanchez-Osorio J, Gomis J, Parrilla I, Vila J, Colina I, Diaz M, Reixach J, Vazquez JL, Vazquez JM, Roca J, Gil MA. Successful non-surgical deep uterine transfer of porcine morulae after 24 hour culture in a chemically defined medium. PLoS One 2014; 9:e104696. [PMID: 25118944 PMCID: PMC4131926 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0104696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2014] [Accepted: 07/10/2014] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Excellent fertility and prolificacy have been reported after non-surgical deep uterine transfers of fresh in vivo-derived porcine embryos. Unfortunately, when this technology is used with vitrified embryos, the reproductive performance of recipients is low. For this reason and because the embryos must be stored until they are transferred to the recipient farms, we evaluated the potential application of non-surgical deep uterine transfers with in vivo-derived morulae cultured for 24 h in liquid stage. In Experiment 1, two temperatures (25 °C and 37 °C) and two media (one fully defined and one semi-defined) were assessed. Morulae cultured in culture medium supplemented with bovine serum albumin and fetal calf serum at 38.5 °C in 5% CO2 in air were used as controls. Irrespective of medium, the embryo viability after 24 h of culture was negatively affected (P<0.05) at 25 °C but not at 37 °C compared with the controls. Embryo development was delayed in all experimental groups compared with the control group (P<0.001). Most of the embryos (95.7%) cultured at 37 °C achieved the full or expanded blastocyst stage, and unlike the controls, none of them hatched at the end of culture. In Experiment 2, 785 morulae were cultured in the defined medium at 37 °C for 24 h, and the resulting blastocysts were transferred to the recipients (n = 24). Uncultured embryos collected at the blastocyst stage (n = 750) were directly transferred to the recipients and used as controls (n = 25). No differences in farrowing rates (91.7% and 92.0%) or litter sizes (9.0 ± 0.6 and 9.4 ± 0.8) were observed between the groups. This study demonstrated, for the first time, that high reproductive performance can be achieved after non-surgical deep uterine transfers with short-term cultured morulae in a defined medium, which opens new possibilities for the sanitary, safe national and international trade of porcine embryos and the commercial use of embryo transfer in pigs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emilio A. Martinez
- Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
- * E-mail:
| | - Miguel Angel Angel
- Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Cristina Cuello
- Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | | | - Jesus Gomis
- Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Inmaculada Parrilla
- Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Jordi Vila
- Department of Research and Development, Selección Batallé S.A., Girona, Spain
| | - Ignaci Colina
- Department of Research and Development, Selección Batallé S.A., Girona, Spain
| | - Marta Diaz
- Department of Research and Development, Selección Batallé S.A., Girona, Spain
| | - Josep Reixach
- Department of Research and Development, Selección Batallé S.A., Girona, Spain
| | - Jose Luis Vazquez
- Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Juan Maria Vazquez
- Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Jordi Roca
- Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Maria Antonia Gil
- Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Bermejo-Alvarez P, Park KE, Telugu BP. Utero-tubal embryo transfer and vasectomy in the mouse model. J Vis Exp 2014:e51214. [PMID: 24637845 DOI: 10.3791/51214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The transfer of preimplantation embryos to a surrogate female is a required step for the production of genetically modified mice or to study the effects of epigenetic alterations originated during preimplantation development on subsequent fetal development and adult health. The use of an effective and consistent embryo transfer technique is crucial to enhance the generation of genetically modified animals and to determine the effect of different treatments on implantation rates and survival to term. Embryos at the blastocyst stage are usually transferred by uterine transfer, performing a puncture in the uterine wall to introduce the embryo manipulation pipette. The orifice performed in the uterus does not close after the pipette has been withdrawn, and the embryos can outflow to the abdominal cavity due to the positive pressure of the uterus. The puncture can also produce a hemorrhage that impairs implantation, blocks the transfer pipette and may affect embryo development, especially when embryos without zona are transferred. Consequently, this technique often results in very variable and overall low embryo survival rates. Avoiding these negative effects, utero-tubal embryo transfer take advantage of the utero-tubal junction as a natural barrier that impedes embryo outflow and avoid the puncture of the uterine wall. Vasectomized males are required for obtaining pseudopregnant recipients. A technique to perform vasectomy is described as a complement to the utero-tubal embryo transfer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pablo Bermejo-Alvarez
- Animal Bioscience and Biotechnology Laboratory, United States Department of Agriculture; Department of Animal and Avian Sciences, University of Maryland;
| | - Ki-Eun Park
- Animal Bioscience and Biotechnology Laboratory, United States Department of Agriculture; Department of Animal and Avian Sciences, University of Maryland
| | - Bhanu P Telugu
- Animal Bioscience and Biotechnology Laboratory, United States Department of Agriculture; Department of Animal and Avian Sciences, University of Maryland
| |
Collapse
|