Assisted reproductive technologies in rhesus macaques.

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Biology
• Developmental Biology
• Primate Research

Background:

• Assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs) are crucial for rhesus monkey research.
• ARTs enable advancements in areas like monozygotic twinning and embryonic stem cell derivation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To summarize the experience with ARTs at the Oregon National Primate Research Center (ONPRC).
• To highlight the application of ARTs in producing rhesus monkey offspring and for other research purposes.

Main Methods:

• Utilized conventional insemination and intracytoplascitic sperm injection (ICSI) for fertilization.
• Cultured embryos in vitro to the blastocyst stage.
• Employed fresh and frozen sperm for ICSI, with embryo cryopreservation for later use.

Main Results:

• Achieved high fertilization efficiencies with ICSI.
• Approximately 50% of embryos developed to blastocysts in vitro.
• Achieved a 30% pregnancy rate following embryo transfer, with rates increasing based on embryo number.
• Singleton pregnancy outcomes were comparable to naturally conceived controls.
• ART-derived embryos were used for embryonic stem cell derivation and attempts at monozygotic twinning.

Conclusions:

• ARTs are effective for rhesus monkey reproduction and research applications.
• Rhesus monkeys serve as a valuable translational model for regenerative medicine using stem cell therapies.
• Further research utilizing ARTs can advance primate reproductive biology and stem cell applications.