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Minimally Invasive Embryo Transfer and Embryo Vitrification at the Optimal Embryo Stage in Rabbit Model
Published on: May 16, 2019
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Ultrastructure of vitrified rabbit transgenic embryos.
P Chrenek1, A V Makarevich2, M Popelková3
1Animal Production Research Centre Nitra,95141 Luzianky Near Nitra,Slovak Republic.
Zygote (Cambridge, England)
|October 25, 2013
Summary
Vitrification of rabbit embryos, whether transgenic or microinjected, caused ultrastructural damage, primarily to cell membranes. This damage suggests vitrification, not microinjection, is the main cause of embryo deterioration.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Biology
- Developmental Biology
- Cryobiology
Background:
- Rabbit embryos are utilized in reproductive research.
- Transgenic technologies and microinjection are key tools in embryo manipulation.
- Vitrification is a common cryopreservation method for embryos.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the viability of transgenic (EGFP-positive) and gene-microinjected (EGFP-negative) rabbit embryos after vitrification.
- To compare ultrastructural damage in vitrified embryos with controls.
Main Methods:
- Rabbit embryos (transgenic and microinjected) were cultured and vitrified.
- Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was used for ultrastructural analysis.
- Morphometric evaluation of cellular organelles was performed.
Main Results:
- Vitrified/warmed embryos showed increased cellular debris and lipid droplets compared to controls.
- More significant damage was observed in membrane structures, including the cytoplasmic envelope, microvilli, junctional contacts, and mitochondria.
- Damage was more pronounced in vitrified embryos than in controls.
Conclusions:
- The vitrification process, rather than microinjection, appears to be the primary cause of observed ultrastructural damage in rabbit embryos.
- Cell membrane integrity is particularly affected by vitrification and subsequent warming.
