Production of chimeric hamsters by aggregation of eight-cell embryos

Chimeric animals were produced by aggregation of 8-cell-stage embryos from two strains of hamsters (LVG and Bio 1.5). Two series of experiments were performed. In the first series, embryo pairs in contact with each other were classified as aggregates even if 2 distinct embryos could still be distinguished. Of 88 aggregates transferred, 2 chimeras were obtained. Pregnancy rate was 25%, and embryo survival was 35%. In the second set of experiments, only embryo pairs that had coalesced to form a single giant blastocyst were classified as aggregates. Of 56 aggregates transferred, 6 chimeras were obtained. Pregnancy rate was 83%, and embryo survival was 30%. Of the 8 chimeras, 6 were phenotypic males, and 2 were phenotypic females. Both females were germ line chimeras. Of the 6 males, 4 reproduced normally, 1 had abnormal external genitalia but normal spermatogenesis, and 1 was sterile and had atrophic testes. Each of the fertile males transmitted only a single component, either the LVG or the Bio 1.5. Examination of the testes from the sterile chimera revealed that in excess of 80% of the seminiferous cords were devoid of germ cells. These results demonstrate that hamster chimeras can be obtained by aggregation of 8-cell-stage embryos.