Simple Transportation of Genetically Engineered Mice via Cold Storage Techniques

Area of Science:

• * Reproductive Biology
• * Animal Model Development
• * Cryopreservation Technology

Background:

• * Shipping live genetically modified (GM) mice presents logistical challenges.
• * Existing methods for transporting GM mice are often difficult and costly.
• * There is a need for alternative, efficient methods for distributing GM mouse models.

Purpose of the Study:

• * To describe a novel cold transport technique for GM mouse sperm and embryos.
• * To establish an alternative to live animal shipment for GM mouse distribution.
• * To facilitate the creation of research networks for GM mouse sharing.

Main Methods:

• * Cold storage of cauda epididymis to preserve sperm viability.
• * Cryopreservation of two-cell mouse embryos.
• * Utilizing preserved sperm and embryos for in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer.

Main Results:

• * Sperm fertility maintained for up to 10 days in cold preservation medium.
• * Two-cell embryos maintained developmental ability for up to 4 days after cold storage.
• * Successful production of pups from cold-transported sperm and embryos.

Conclusions:

• * Cold transport of sperm and embryos provides a viable alternative for GM mouse distribution.
• * This method enhances the creation of local and global research collaborations.
• * The technique supports efficient and reliable sharing of valuable GM mouse models.