A feasible method for llama embryo paraffin embedding

Maternal recognition of pregnancy in llamas would be related to a still-unknown signal secreted by the embryo to extend the corpus luteum lifespan. In order to study llamas reproductive physiology and early pregnancy aspects, research on embryos between 8 and 12 days post-mating is essential. However, there is a lack of information on llama embryo paraffin embedding, a procedure that exhibits difficulties, mostly for embryo manipulation. This work presents an accessible, easy and rapid protocol for embedding llama blastocysts. Uterine flushings from four superovulated llamas were performed to recover embryos 8 days post-mating. Each embryo was fixed in 1 ml of 10 % neutral buffered formalin for 24 h, at 4 °C, and transferred to 70 % ethanol. Later, they were submitted to a series of baths: 500 µl PBS with 5 % bovine foetal serum solution (PBS+BFS) for 1 min; zona pellucida permeabilization with 500 µl PBS with 0.2 % Triton X-100 for 20 min; 500 µl PBS+BFS for 1 min; dehydration on baths with ascendent grades of ethanol (70 %, 96 %, and 100 % twice) for 10 min each; and bath of butanol for 5 min. Finally, embryos were embedded in a pellet of paraffin and afterwards in a paraffin block. Complete sections from 8 of 13 grade I and II embryos were obtained. In conclusion, by applying this method, good quality sections with preserved embryo morphology suitable for histological, histochemical or immunohistochemical approaches would be possible to acquire.