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Collection and Cryopreservation of Hamster Oocytes and Mouse Embryos
Published on: March 27, 2009
The genotypic response of mouse embryos to multiple freezing variables
P M Schmidt1, M C Schiewe, D E Wildt
1Veterinary Resources Branch, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892.
Biology of Reproduction
|December 1, 1987
Summary
Mouse embryo cryopreservation success varies by genotype and freezing method. Outbred embryos showed better survival with glycerol in ampules, while inbred embryos were less affected by cryopreservation variables.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Biology
- Cryobiology
- Genetics
Background:
- Cryopreservation is crucial for preserving genetic material.
- Understanding factors influencing embryo survival post-thaw is vital for reproductive success.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of mouse genotype, cryoprotectant type, and container on post-thaw survival (PTS) of four- and eight-cell embryos.
Main Methods:
- Cryopreservation of embryos from three mouse genotypes (outbred N:NIH(S), N:NIH(S)-B, inbred C57BL/6N).
- Exposure to glycerol (GLYC) or dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) cryoprotectants.
- Storage in ampules (AMP) or straws (STR) with controlled cooling and thawing.
- In vitro culture to assess post-thaw survival, degeneration rate, and quality/viability grades.
Main Results:
- Significant genotypic differences observed in PTS, embryo degeneration rate (EDR), quality grade (QG), and viability grade (VG).
- Outbred embryos exhibited higher PTS with GLYC than DMSO, with improved QG/VG and reduced EDR.
- Inbred C57BL/6N embryos showed similar survival rates across cryoprotectants, but ampules generally yielded higher PTS than straws for all genotypes.
Conclusions:
- Mouse genotype significantly influences cryopreservation outcomes.
- Glycerol is more effective for outbred embryo cryopreservation, while ampules offer better protection than straws.
- The inbred C57BL/6N strain appears more resilient to variations in cryopreservation methods compared to outbred strains.
