The effects of cryopreservation and transfer on embryonic development in the common marmoset monkey, Callithrix...

Embryos were collected at the 4-10-cell stage from the oviducts (Day 4; Day 1 = ovulation) or as morulae (Day 7) from the uterus of marmosets and frozen in 1.5 M-DMSO (Days 4 and 7) or 1.0 M-glycerol (Day 4 only), using a slow freezing and thawing technique. Of 22 Day-4 embryos frozen in DMSO, 18 were recovered and 16 of these were transferred to 10 synchronized recipients; 7 recipients became pregnant compared with all 7 control recipients receiving 10 unfrozen embryos. Fifteen frozen-thawed morulae were transferred to 9 Day-6 recipients; the pregnancy rate (55.6%) was lower than for control embryos (85.7%). Embryos frozen in glycerol suffered severe osmotic stress during glycerol addition and removal. Of 8 recipients, 3 (37.5%) became pregnant but only one fetus was carried to term. These results on embryo collection, freezing and transfer in the marmoset have important implications for developing improved methods for freezing human embryos and the breeding of endangered primates.