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A superovulation protocol for the spiny mouse (Acomys cahirinus).

Rachael Pasco¹, David K Gardner, David W Walker

¹The Ritchie Centre, Monash Institute of Medical Research, Monash University, Clayton, Vic. 3168, Australia.

Reproduction, Fertility, and Development

|September 7, 2012

Summary

A new superovulation protocol for spiny mice (Acomys cahirinus) significantly increases ovulation rates. This optimized method uses equine chorionic gonadotrophin (eCG) and human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) to yield more embryos for research.

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Area of Science:

Reproductive Biology
Animal Models
Developmental Biology

Background:

Spiny mice (Acomys cahirinus) are desert rodents with distinct reproductive traits, including long estrus cycles and small litter sizes.
Existing superovulation protocols are not optimized for Acomys cahirinus, limiting their utility in research.
Understanding and enhancing reproductive efficiency in spiny mice is crucial for their use as a model organism.

Purpose of the Study:

To develop and optimize a superovulation protocol for the spiny mouse (Acomys cahirinus).
To increase the ovulation rate in female spiny mice for research purposes.
To establish a foundation for developing in vitro culture systems for spiny mouse embryos.

Main Methods:

Administered two injections of equine chorionic gonadotrophin (eCG, 10 IU each) 9 hours apart.

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Followed eCG injections with a single dose of 20 IU human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG).

Assessed ovulation rates and embryo recovery through histological analysis and direct observation of oviducts.

Main Results:

The optimized protocol achieved a 5-fold increase in the normal ovulation rate.
100% of treated female spiny mice responded successfully to the superovulation protocol.
An average of 14.7 ± 1.5 embryos were recovered 33 hours post-hCG injection.
Histological analysis confirmed significant ovarian activity, including large corpora lutea and post-ovulatory follicles.

Conclusions:

The developed superovulation protocol is highly effective for Acomys cahirinus.
This protocol significantly enhances the number of oocytes retrieved, facilitating further research.
The optimized protocol is essential for advancing in vitro embryo culture techniques for spiny mice.