Related Experiment Videos
Adverse effects of gonadotrophin treatment on pre- and postimplantation development in mice
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ullevaal University Hospital, Oslo, Norway.
Abstract:
The effect of gonadotrophins on pre- and postimplantation development in mice was investigated by superovulating C57BL/6J/Bom females with pregnant mares' serum gonadotrophin (PMSG) and human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) or by inducing ovulation with hCG. In both hormone treated groups, the proportion of abnormal preimplantation embryos increased compared with naturally ovulating animals. Postimplantation mortality increased and the mean number of live fetuses per pregnant mouse decreased in superovulated and hCG-treated mice compared with controls. Embryonic growth was highly retarded. Mean weight of live fetuses in superovulated and hCG-treated mice was reduced and skeletal examination revealed developmental retardation. In conclusion, superovulation as well as induction of ovulation adversely affected embryonic and fetal development.
Insights
Gonadotropin treatments, including pregnant mares' serum gonadotrophin (PMSG) and human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG), negatively impacted mouse embryonic and fetal development. Both superovulation and ovulation induction led to increased abnormalities and developmental retardation.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Biology
- Developmental Toxicology
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Gonadotropins are critical for ovulation and reproductive processes.
- Hormonal interventions like superovulation are common in research but their developmental effects require scrutiny.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of gonadotropin administration on pre- and postimplantation embryonic development in mice.
- To compare the effects of superovulation versus hCG-induced ovulation on fetal development.
Main Methods:
- Superovulation of C57BL/6J/Bom mice using pregnant mares' serum gonadotrophin (PMSG) and human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG).
- Induction of ovulation using hCG alone.
- Assessment of preimplantation embryo normality.
- Evaluation of postimplantation mortality, fetal number, fetal weight, and skeletal development.
Main Results:
- Hormone-treated groups showed a higher proportion of abnormal preimplantation embryos compared to controls.
- Superovulation and hCG treatment increased postimplantation mortality and decreased the mean number of live fetuses.
- Embryonic growth was significantly retarded, with reduced fetal weight and skeletal developmental delays observed.
Conclusions:
- Both superovulation and hCG-induced ovulation protocols adversely affect embryonic and fetal development in mice.
- These findings highlight potential risks associated with gonadotropin use in reproductive studies.