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Subdiabetogenic streptozocin treatment impairs preimplantation development of mouse embryos
Abstract:
To estimate the significance of insulin in the regulation of preimplantation embryo growth, female mice received a single subdiabetogenic dose of streptozocin (65 mg/kg intraperitoneally) 8-11 days or 14-17 days before fertilization. Mean glycaemia levels and the number of embryos per mouse did not differ significantly between the streptozocin-treated and control groups. Morphological analysis of preimplantation embryos collected on day 3 of pregnancy revealed significant changes in the distribution pattern of preimplantation embryo stages recovered from streptozocin-treated females. Continuous insulin treatment of streptozocin-treated mice improved the impaired development of preimplantation embryos only in short-lasting experiments. After a long subdiabetic period (14-17 days) the incidence of degenerated embryos was increased in both streptozocin-treated groups. It can be concluded that the subdiabetic state in female mice impairs preimplantation embryo development which could partly be prevented by insulin treatment.
Insights
Subdiabetic conditions in female mice negatively impact early embryo development. Insulin treatment offers partial protection, but prolonged subdiabetic states increase embryo degeneration.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive biology
- Endocrinology
- Developmental biology
Background:
- Insulin plays a crucial role in metabolic regulation.
- Subdiabetic states can affect reproductive outcomes.
- Preimplantation embryo development is sensitive to maternal metabolic conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of a subdiabetic state on preimplantation embryo development in mice.
- To assess the potential protective role of insulin treatment in mitigating these effects.
Main Methods:
- Female mice were induced into a subdiabetic state using streptozocin at varying times before fertilization.
- Embryo development was assessed morphologically at day 3 of pregnancy.
- Insulin treatment was administered to a subset of subdiabetic mice.
Main Results:
- Subdiabetic mice showed altered preimplantation embryo stage distribution.
- Continuous insulin treatment improved embryo development in short-term subdiabetic models.
- Long-term subdiabetic exposure (14-17 days) increased embryo degeneration rates.
Conclusions:
- A subdiabetic state in female mice impairs preimplantation embryo development.
- Insulin therapy can partially prevent these developmental impairments.
- Prolonged subdiabetic conditions exacerbate negative effects on embryo viability.
