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Published on: December 2, 2017
Assisted reproductive technologies in Microtus genus.
Konosuke Okada1, Atsuko Kageyama1
1Graduate School of Veterinary Medicine and Life Science, Graduate School Nippon Veterinary and Life Science University Musashino, Tokyo Japan.
Assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs) are established for Japanese field voles (Microtus montebelli) but not for other Microtus species. Further development is needed to expand ART applications in this genus for research models.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive biology
- Animal models
- Genetics
Background:
- The Microtus genus, including the Japanese field vole (Microtus montebelli), possesses unique characteristics making it valuable for research.
- Advancing the utilization of Microtus species as research models hinges on the development of assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs).
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advancements in the development of ARTs for the Microtus genus.
- To specifically highlight progress in ARTs for Microtus montebelli.
Main Methods:
- A comprehensive review of existing literature and original publications.
- Summarization of the current status of ART development within the Microtus genus.
Main Results:
- ARTs, including superovulation, in vitro fertilization, intracytoplasmic sperm injection, embryo transfer, sperm cryopreservation, and artificial insemination, are well-established in M. montebelli.
- ART protocols developed for M. montebelli were largely ineffective for Microtus arvalis and Microtus rossiaemeridionalis, with the exception of sperm cryopreservation.
Conclusions:
- Established ARTs in M. montebelli enhance its potential as a model organism.
- ART protocols require species-specific optimization for broader application across the Microtus genus, as current methods are not universally transferable.
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