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The use of Matrigel at low concentration enhances in vitro blastocyst formation and hatching in a mouse embryo model
L Lazzaroni1, F M Fusi, N Doldi
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Milan, H.S. Raffaele Scientific Institute, Italy.
Objective:
To determine the effect of Matrigel at a low concentration on the growth of mouse embryos in culture.
Design:
Randomized case-control study of mouse embryos.
Setting:
An academic research environment.
Animals:
Mouse embryos.
Intervention(S):
Embryos were cultured in Quinn's or Celbio's human tubal fluid (HTF) enriched with 1.5% bovine serum albumin and 0.8% liquid Matrigel. Each HTF was compared with the same medium devoid of Matrigel. Afterward, Quinn's and Celbio's HTF, both containing Matrigel, were compared directly. Embryos were cultured in four-well dishes, and their morphology and viability were assessed at 96 hours.
Main Outcome Measure(S):
Level of interleukin-1alpha in media collected at the end of culture.
Result(S):
In both types of HTF, the presence of Matrigel allowed a larger number of embryos to reach the blastocyst stage and to hatch; blastocyst morphology also was improved. These positive effects were enhanced in Quinn's HTF: embryos cultured in its Matrigel-enriched version secreted a higher level of interleukin-1alpha than those in Celbio's HTF plus Matrigel and also showed a better morphology.
Conclusion(S):
In the mouse embryo model, Matrigel improves culture conditions in terms of both embryo viability and morphology, and these effects are enhanced in Quinn's HTF.