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Manipulated mouse embryos as bioassay system for water quality control
A S Elsheikh1, Y Takahashi, M Nagano
1Laboratory of Theriogenology, Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Graduate School of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan.
Reproduction in Domestic Animals = Zuchthygiene
|May 20, 2003
Summary
Water quality significantly impacts mouse embryo development in vitro. Milli-Q (M-Q) water, the purest source, yielded the best results, suggesting manipulated mouse embryos can assess water purity for biological systems.
Area of Science:
- Embryology
- Reproductive Biology
- In Vitro Fertilization
Background:
- Culture media composition is critical for successful in vitro embryo development.
- Water quality is an often-overlooked variable that can influence biological experiments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of different water types on the in vitro development of manipulated mouse embryos.
- To evaluate the suitability of mouse embryos as a model system for assessing water purity.
Main Methods:
- Mouse embryos were cultured in KSOM media prepared with tap, deionized reverse osmosis (D-O), or Milli-Q (M-Q) water.
- Media were supplemented with or without protein and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA).
- Embryo development rates to the hatched blastocyst stage were assessed; water purity was analyzed.
Main Results:
- Micromanipulation, protein supplementation, and water source significantly affected blastocyst development rates.
- M-Q water, exhibiting lower impurity levels, supported superior embryo development compared to D-O and tap water.
- Protein-free media showed very low development rates, with water quality significantly impacting outcomes.
Conclusions:
- Water quality is a critical factor influencing the success of in vitro embryo culture.
- Manipulated mouse embryos serve as a sensitive and effective biological system for evaluating water purity in laboratory settings.
