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Updated: May 16, 2026
Establishment of an Embryo Implantation Model In Vitro
Published on: June 21, 2024
The effect of molybdenum on the in vitro development of mouse preimplantation embryos
Cong-Ming Bi1, Yu-Ling Zhang, Feng-Jun Liu
1College of Animal Husbandry & Veterinary, Liaoning Medical University, Jinzhou, PR China.
Abstract:
The object of this study was to investigate the effect of molybdenum on the development of mouse preimplantation embryos cultured in vitro. Zygotes were flushed from one outbred mouse strain (Kunming), and then were cultured in potassium simplex optimized medium (KSOM) containing 0, 5, 10, 20, 40, 80, 120, and 160 µg/ml of molybdenum for 5 days until the mid-blastocyst stage. The addition of ≤ 20 µg/ml molybdenum did not affect the blastocyst and birth rates. Molybdenum at doses of 40 µg/ml and higher significantly decreased the cleavage, blastocyst and birth rates, the average cell number, and significantly increased the proportion of degenerative blastocysts. At 120 µg/ml molybdenum inhibited the blastocysts development to birth. At 160 µg/ml molybdenum caused overall developmental arrest (up to 16-cells) of embryos and their massive degeneration. In conclusion, molybdenum negatively affected the development of embryos in a dose-dependent manner. With lower doses (≤ 20 µg/ml), mouse embryos were not apparently damaged. With very high doses (≥ 40 µg/ml), embryo quality significantly decreased. This assessment of the effect of molybdenum on the preimplantation embryo is an initial survey of toxicological risk.
Insights
Molybdenum exposure negatively impacts mouse embryo development in a dose-dependent manner. Low molybdenum doses (≤ 20 µg/ml) showed no adverse effects, while higher concentrations (≥ 40 µg/ml) significantly reduced embryo quality and developmental rates.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive toxicology
- Developmental biology
- Environmental health
Background:
- Molybdenum is an essential trace element, but its toxicological effects on early development are not fully understood.
- Preimplantation embryo development is a critical window for assessing environmental impacts on reproductive success.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the dose-dependent effects of molybdenum on mouse preimplantation embryo development in vitro.
- To determine the toxicological threshold of molybdenum for early embryonic development.
Main Methods:
- Mouse zygotes were cultured in vitro using potassium simplex optimized medium (KSOM).
- Embryos were exposed to varying concentrations of molybdenum (0–160 µg/ml) for five days.
- Developmental parameters including cleavage, blastocyst formation, cell number, and degeneration were assessed.
Main Results:
- Molybdenum concentrations ≤ 20 µg/ml did not significantly affect blastocyst or birth rates.
- Doses of 40 µg/ml and higher significantly decreased cleavage, blastocyst, and birth rates, reduced cell numbers, and increased degeneration.
- High molybdenum levels (120–160 µg/ml) inhibited development and caused significant embryo degeneration.
Conclusions:
- Molybdenum exerts a dose-dependent negative effect on mouse preimplantation embryo development.
- Low molybdenum exposure (≤ 20 µg/ml) appears safe for early embryo development.
- High molybdenum exposure (≥ 40 µg/ml) poses a significant toxicological risk to embryo quality and development.
