Nonsurgical embryo transfer device compared with surgery for embryo transfer in mice

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Biology
• Animal Models
• Surgical Techniques

Background:

• Nonsurgical embryo transfer (NSET) devices are used for creating genetically modified mice.
• Physiologic effects of NSET versus surgical embryo transfer have not been directly compared.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the physiologic effects of the NSET procedure with traditional surgical embryo transfer in mice.
• To evaluate the impact of anesthesia on these procedures.

Main Methods:

• Pseudopregnant mice underwent anesthesia only, NSET with or without anesthesia, or surgery.
• Electrocardiography and fecal corticosterone levels were used to monitor physiologic responses.
• Procedures were performed without embryos to isolate procedural effects.

Main Results:

• The NSET procedure resulted in less cardiac rhythm fluctuation compared to surgery.
• Lower fecal corticosterone levels, a stress biomarker, were observed with NSET.
• Anesthesia's impact was assessed alongside NSET and surgical methods.

Conclusions:

• The NSET device offers a less physiologically stressful alternative to surgical embryo transfer.
• NSET avoids surgical disadvantages like postoperative pain and analgesia requirements.
• This method represents a valuable refinement for mouse embryo transfer.