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Mycoplasma pulmonis infection with regard to embryo freezing and hysterectomy derivation
1Toxicology Unit, Medical Research Council Laboratories, Carshalton, Surrey, England.
Abstract:
Eggs taken from the oviducts of mice, inoculated 3 weeks previously with Mycoplasma pulmonis in the peritoneal cavity, were shown to be contaminated, and mycoplasmas were not eradicated by washing the eggs three times. Zona-free eggs were also infected. Embryos cultured for 24 hours in medium M16 were clear of infection. Sperm from infected males was not significantly worse in the fertilization of uninfected eggs.
Insights
Mycoplasma pulmonis contaminated mouse eggs, even after washing. However, embryos cultured in vitro were infection-free, and infected sperm did not impair fertilization of clean eggs.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive biology
- Microbiology
- Animal models
Background:
- Mycoplasma pulmonis is a common respiratory pathogen in rodents.
- Vertical transmission of Mycoplasma pulmonis can occur, impacting research models.
- Contamination of oocytes and sperm poses a risk to in vivo and in vitro fertilization.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the susceptibility of mouse oocytes to Mycoplasma pulmonis infection.
- To assess the efficacy of decontamination methods for infected oocytes.
- To evaluate the impact of Mycoplasma pulmonis on fertilization using infected sperm.
Main Methods:
- Oocytes were collected from Mycoplasma pulmonis-infected mice.
- Eggs were subjected to washing protocols.
- Zona-free eggs were also tested for susceptibility.
- In vitro embryo culture was performed for 24 hours.
- Fertilization assays were conducted using sperm from infected males.
Main Results:
- Oviductal eggs from infected mice were contaminated with Mycoplasma pulmonis.
- Three-time washing failed to eradicate the mycoplasma contamination.
- Zona-free eggs also became infected.
- Embryos cultured in vitro for 24 hours were free of infection.
- Sperm from infected males did not significantly reduce the fertilization rate of uninfected eggs.
Conclusions:
- Mycoplasma pulmonis can contaminate mouse oocytes, with standard washing being ineffective.
- In vitro embryo culture offers a method to obtain infection-free embryos from contaminated oocytes.
- Fertilization capacity of sperm from infected males is not significantly compromised.