Vitrification preserves chromatin integrity, bioenergy potential and oxidative parameters in mouse embryos.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of vitrification on morpho-functional parameters (blastomere/chromatin integrity and bioenergy/oxidative potential) of mouse preimplantation embryos.

Methods

In vivo produced mouse (4/16-cell, morulae and blastocyst-stage) embryos were randomly divided into vitrification and control groups. For vitrification, embryos were exposed to a 2-step loading of ethylene glycol and propylene glycol, before being placed in a small nylon loop and submerged into liquid nitrogen. After warming, the cryoprotectants were diluted by a 3-step procedure. Embryo morphology, chromatin integrity and energy/oxidative status were compared between groups.

Results

Vitrification induced low grade blastomere cytofragmentation (P?ConclusionsIn conclusion, this study elucidates the developmentally-related and mild effects of vitrification on morphology, nuclear and bioenergy/oxidative parameters of mouse embryos and demonstrates that vitrification is a suitable method for preserving predictive parameters of embryo ability to induce a full-term pregnancy.

SUBMITTER: Martino NA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3652727 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature