Modification of in vitro mouse embryogenesis by X-rays and fluorochromes

Area of Science:

• Developmental Biology
• Radiobiology
• Microscopy

Background:

• Confocal microscopy is crucial for visualizing subtle changes in embryo morphology.
• Planned studies involve single particle irradiation, necessitating understanding of its effects on embryos.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the influence of X-rays and fluorochromes on in vitro development of murine 2-cell stage embryos.
• To assess the impact of acridine orange, ethidium bromide, and propidium iodide on embryo morphology and viability.

Main Methods:

• Murine 2-cell stage embryos were cultured and treated with varying doses of X-rays, acridine orange (AO), ethidium bromide (EB), or propidium iodide (PI).
• Embryos were cultured for 7 days, with endpoints including blastocyst formation and hatching rate.
• Combination experiments of AO and X-rays were conducted.

Main Results:

• Acridine orange exhibited significantly higher toxicity (23-fold lower ED50) compared to ethidium bromide regarding the hatching rate.
• Despite higher toxicity, acridine orange offered superior staining qualities at subtoxic concentrations.
• Propidium iodide showed no toxicity and served as a control.
• No synergistic effects were observed between acridine orange and X-rays.

Conclusions:

• Acridine orange is a potentially valuable tool for visualizing radiation-induced changes in embryo morphology due to its staining properties, despite its toxicity.
• Fluorochromes and X-rays have distinct effects on early mouse embryo development.
• Further research is needed to optimize the use of fluorochromes in conjunction with irradiation studies.