Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 9, 2026
Mouse In Vivo Placental Targeted CRISPR Manipulation
Published on: April 14, 2023
The influence of indomethacin on the hatching of mouse blastocysts
R M van der Weiden1, R M Verdijk, R E Poelmann
1Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproduction, Leiden University Hospital, The Netherlands.
Abstract:
In order to investigate the effect of indomethacin for inhibition of the cyclooxygenase pathway on the hatching process of mouse blastocysts, 508 mouse blastocysts were cultured in modified HAM F10 medium containing 0, 8, 79 or 788 microM indomethacin, added after 24 h of incubation. Hatching was scored after 72 h of incubation. In another series of experiments, indomethacin was added only after blastulation had occurred. Indomethacin in doses of 8 microM and 79 microM, added after 24 h of incubation or after blastulation had occurred, did not influence successful hatching. A dose of 788 microM indomethacin interfered with hatching, but this dose appeared to be toxic for the embryo.
Insights
Indomethacin, a cyclooxygenase inhibitor, did not affect mouse blastocyst hatching at doses up to 79 microM. Higher doses of indomethacin interfered with hatching and showed toxicity.
Area of Science:
- Embryology
- Pharmacology
- Reproductive Biology
Background:
- The cyclooxygenase (COX) pathway plays a role in embryonic development.
- Indomethacin is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug that inhibits COX enzymes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of indomethacin on the hatching process of mouse blastocysts.
- To determine the impact of COX inhibition on early embryonic development and hatching.
Main Methods:
- Mouse blastocysts (n=508) were cultured in modified HAM F10 medium.
- Indomethacin was added at concentrations of 0, 8, 79, or 788 microM at different developmental stages (after 24h incubation or after blastulation).
- Hatching was assessed after 72 hours of incubation.
Main Results:
- Indomethacin at 8 microM and 79 microM did not significantly affect successful blastocyst hatching.
- A high dose of 788 microM indomethacin impaired the hatching process.
- The high dose of indomethacin (788 microM) exhibited toxicity towards the embryos.
Conclusions:
- Low to moderate doses of indomethacin do not inhibit mouse blastocyst hatching.
- High concentrations of indomethacin can negatively impact embryo hatching and viability.
- The COX pathway may not be a critical target for modulating blastocyst hatching at these concentrations.
