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Mouse embryos generated from frozen-thawed oocytes can successfully survive a second cryopreservation
Ariel Revel1, Naama Moshe, Aharon Helman
1In Vitro Fertilization Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hadassah University Hospital, Ein Kerem, Jerusalem, Israel. Revel@md.huji.ac.il
Human Reproduction (Oxford, England)
|March 5, 2004
Summary
Mouse embryos from cryopreserved oocytes can survive a second freeze-thaw cycle. While oocyte cryopreservation impacts fertilization, subsequent embryo cryopreservation is feasible for blastocyst development.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Biology
- Cryobiology
- Embryology
Background:
- Cryopreservation of oocytes and embryos is a critical technique in assisted reproductive technologies.
- Investigating the viability of embryos derived from cryopreserved oocytes undergoing a second cryopreservation is essential for optimizing protocols.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the developmental potential of mouse embryos generated from frozen-thawed oocytes after a second cryopreservation.
- To compare the outcomes of single versus double cryopreservation of embryos derived from fresh or frozen-thawed oocytes.
Main Methods:
- Mouse oocytes were divided into three groups: fresh IVF, IVF then embryo cryopreservation, and cryopreservation then IVF.
- Two-to-four-cell stage embryos from all groups underwent a second cryopreservation and thawing process.
- Embryos were cultured to the blastocyst stage to assess developmental rates.
Main Results:
- Oocyte cryopreservation led to reduced fertilization rates (46% in Group C vs. 78% in Group A).
- Embryo cryopreservation significantly decreased blastulation rates (23% in Group B and C vs. 45% in Group A).
- Embryos derived from cryopreserved oocytes that underwent a second cryopreservation showed comparable blastocyst development rates to those from fresh oocytes.
Conclusions:
- Cryopreservation of oocytes negatively impacts subsequent fertilization rates.
- Embryo cryopreservation, whether from fresh or frozen-thawed oocytes, halves blastulation rates.
- Embryos generated from cryopreserved oocytes can successfully withstand a second cryopreservation and develop to the blastocyst stage.