Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 8, 2026
09:25
Lectin-based Isolation and Culture of Mouse Embryonic Motoneurons
Published on: September 15, 2011
Development of mouse embryos in media containing lectins
A R Menino1, J S Williams, C S Gardiner
1Department of Animal Science Oregon State University Corvallis, OR 97331-6702 USA.
Theriogenology
|April 1, 1989
Summary
Lectins can impact mouse embryo development, with some inhibiting morula and blastocyst formation. Phytohemagglutinin at 1 mug/ml promoted embryo development, but not by stimulating cell division or altering zona pellucida solubility.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Biology
- Cell Biology
- Reproductive Science
Background:
- Lectins are proteins that bind carbohydrates and can stimulate mitosis in cultured cells.
- Their effects on early mammalian embryo development are not fully understood.
- Investigating lectin impact is crucial for understanding factors influencing embryonic viability.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effects of various lectins on in vitro development of two-cell mouse embryos.
- To determine if lectins stimulate cell division or affect zona pellucida properties during early development.
- To identify lectin concentrations and types that either promote or inhibit embryo development.
Main Methods:
- Two-cell mouse embryos were cultured in Whitten's medium supplemented with different concentrations (1, 10, 100 mug/ml) of concanavalin A, leucoagglutinin, phytohemagglutinin, pokeweed-mitogen, and wheat germ agglutinin.
- Embryo development to morula and blastocyst stages was monitored.
- Cell division rates, blastocyst hatching, and zona pellucida solubility were assessed.
- Development of isolated blastomeres was also evaluated.
Main Results:
- Development to morula stage was blocked by high concentrations of concanavalin A and wheat germ agglutinin.
- Blastocyst formation was inhibited by pokeweed-mitogen.
- Phytohemagglutinin (1 and 100 mug/ml) and leucoagglutinin (10 mug/ml) enhanced blastocyst formation compared to controls.
- Cell division was suppressed by most lectins tested, except at low concentrations.
- Zona pellucida solubility was reduced by high concentrations of phytohemagglutinin and leucoagglutinin, and low concentration of wheat germ agglutinin.
Conclusions:
- Embryo development in the presence of lectins is influenced by cytotoxicity and biochemical modifications of the zona pellucida.
- Phytohemagglutinin at 1 mug/ml resulted in the greatest embryo development, but not through cell division stimulation or altered zona pellucida solubility.
- Specific lectins and concentrations can significantly inhibit or, in some cases, promote early mouse embryo development in vitro.
