Nitric oxide affects preimplantation embryonic development in a rotating wall vessel bioreactor simulating...

Area of Science:

• Reproductive biology
• Space biology
• Developmental biology

Background:

• Understanding the effects of microgravity on early embryonic development is crucial for space exploration and human reproduction.
• Pre-implantation embryonic development is a sensitive period susceptible to environmental stressors.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of simulated microgravity on mouse pre-implantation embryonic development.
• To explore the role of nitric oxide (NO) and apoptosis in microgravity-induced developmental effects.

Main Methods:

• Simulated microgravity using a rotating wall vessel bioreactor (RWVB) and clinostat rotation.
• Cultured mouse embryos were divided into stationary control, rotational control, and clinostat rotation groups.
• Assessed embryonic development, nitric oxide (NO) production, nitric oxide synthase (NOS) activity, and apoptosis (Annexin-V staining).

Main Results:

• Clinostat rotation significantly retarded embryonic development compared to control groups.
• Elevated nitric oxide (NO) production and nitric oxide synthase (NOS) activity were observed in the clinostat rotation group.
• Clinostat rotation induced apoptosis in pre-implantation mouse embryos, indicated by positive Annexin-V staining.

Conclusions:

• Simulated microgravity retards mouse pre-implantation embryonic development and induces cell apoptosis.
• Increased nitric oxide (NO) production under simulated microgravity may lead to cytotoxic effects, impairing embryonic development.
• These findings highlight potential risks to reproductive health in microgravity environments.