Surgical oocyte retrieval (SOR): a method for collecting mature mouse oocytes without euthanasia

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Biology
• Surgical Techniques
• Animal Models

Background:

• Collecting oocytes often requires euthanasia, limiting research on unique or irreplaceable animal models.
• Preserving reproductive potential in valuable mice is crucial for longitudinal studies and genetic resource management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce and evaluate a novel surgical oocyte retrieval (SOR) method for collecting oocytes from live mice.
• To compare the efficacy and safety of different anesthetics during SOR.
• To assess the viability and developmental potential of oocytes retrieved using SOR.

Main Methods:

• Surgical oocyte retrieval (SOR) involves a small oviduct incision for oocyte collection via pipette, followed by closure with tissue adhesive.
• Comparison of isoflurane and tribromoethanol anesthetics for oocyte toxicity during SOR.
• Fertilization and embryo development assessment of SOR-collected oocytes.

Main Results:

• SOR successfully collected ovulated oocytes without requiring euthanasia, preserving the mice's reproductive capacity.
• Isoflurane anesthesia resulted in fewer dead oocytes compared to tribromoethanol during SOR.
• Combining SOR with traditional methods increased oocyte yield (41 vs. 28).
• SOR-collected oocytes produced viable embryos comparable to controls.

Conclusions:

• Surgical oocyte retrieval (SOR) is a viable, non-lethal method for oocyte collection from mice.
• SOR maximizes oocyte yield, particularly from unique or irreplaceable animal models.
• The technique preserves the reproductive potential of the donor mice, enabling future breeding.