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Updated: Aug 17, 2026
Cryopreservation of Mouse Embryos by Ethylene Glycol-Based Vitrification
Published on: November 18, 2011
Vitrification of biopsied mouse embryos
B Baranyai1, Sz Bodó, A Dinnyés
1Department of Animal Biology, Agricultural Biotechnology Center, H-2103 Gödöllo, Hungary.
Abstract:
Solid surface vitrification (SSV) was compared with in-straw vitrification for cryopreservation of biopsied mouse embryos. Eight-cell stage embryos were zona drilled and one blastomere was removed. Developed morulae or blastocysts were vitrified in microdrop (35% EG + 5% PVP + 0.4 M trehalose) or in straw (7.0 M EG + 0.5 M sucrose). Following recovery, embryos were cultivated in vitro or transferred into recipients. Cryopreservation had an effect not only on the survival of biopsied embryos but also on their subsequent development in vitro. Cryosurvival of biopsied morulae vitrified in straw was significantly inferior to SSV. The post-warm development of biopsied and non-biopsied morulae was delayed on Day 3.5 and 4.5 in both vitrification groups. A delay in development was observed on Day 5.5 among vitrified non-biopsied blastocysts. The percentage of pups born from biopsied morulae or blastocysts following cryopreservation did not differ from that of the control. No significant differences could be detected between methods within and between embryonic stages in terms of birth rate. The birth rate of biopsied embryos vitrified in straw was significantly lower compared to the non-biopsied embryos. The novel cryopreservation protocol of SSV proved to be effective for cryopreservation of morula- and blastocyst-stage biopsied embryos.
Insights
Solid surface vitrification (SSV) is a superior method for cryopreserving biopsied mouse embryos compared to in-straw vitrification. SSV ensures effective embryo survival and development, crucial for reproductive research.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Biology
- Cryobiology
- Embryology
Background:
- Cryopreservation is vital for preserving embryos in reproductive research.
- Biopsying embryos for genetic analysis can impact their viability.
- Comparing different vitrification methods is essential for optimizing embryo survival.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the efficacy of solid surface vitrification (SSV) against in-straw vitrification for cryopreserving biopsied mouse embryos.
- To evaluate the impact of cryopreservation on the survival and subsequent development of biopsied embryos.
- To determine the optimal vitrification method for morula and blastocyst stage embryos.
Main Methods:
- Eight-cell stage mouse embryos underwent zona drilling and blastomere removal.
- Developed morulae or blastocysts were vitrified using either SSV or in-straw methods with specific cryoprotective agents.
- Embryos were cultured in vitro or transferred to recipient mice post-warming.
Main Results:
- Cryosurvival of biopsied morulae was significantly lower with in-straw vitrification compared to SSV.
- Post-warm development was delayed in both biopsied and non-biopsied morulae and blastocysts, regardless of the vitrification method.
- No significant difference in birth rates was observed between SSV and in-straw methods for non-biopsied embryos, but in-straw vitrified biopsied embryos had a lower birth rate.
Conclusions:
- Solid surface vitrification (SSV) is an effective cryopreservation protocol for biopsied morula and blastocyst stage mouse embryos.
- SSV demonstrates superior cryosurvival rates for biopsied embryos compared to in-straw vitrification.
- While cryopreservation can delay embryonic development, SSV offers a promising method for preserving embryo integrity post-biopsy.
