Frozen-thawed cumulus-granulosa cells support bovine embryo development during coculture.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the ability of bovine cumulus-granulosa cells to survive cryopreservation and subsequently support bovine embryo development during coculture.


METHODS
In vitro-matured and -fertilized bovine embryos (two- to four-cell) were allotted randomly to one of three treatment groups: [1] control medium alone consisting of Medium 199 containing 10% fetal bovine serum and antibiotics, [2] cocultured on fresh bovine cumulus-granulosa cells in control medium, or [3] cocultured on frozen-thawed cumulus-granulosa cells in control medium. Embryo development was assessed on days 7 and 8 after IVF.


RESULTS
Coculture improved embryo development on days 7 and 8 compared with the control group. However, embryo development on days 7 and 8 did not differ among coculture groups.


CONCLUSIONS
Frozen-thawed cumulus-granulosa cells enhance embryo development similar to fresh cells during in vitro coculture.
Broussard
J R
JR
Department of Dairy Science, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge.
Thibodeaux
J K
JK
Myers
M W
MW
Roussel
J D
JD
Prough
S G
SG
Blackwell
J
J
Godke
R A
RA
D000818:Animals; D002417:Cattle / Q000196:embryology*; D046508:Culture Techniques / Q000379:methods; D005314:Embryonic and Fetal Development; D005260:Female; D005615:Freezing; D006107:Granulosa Cells / Q000502:physiology*; D006080:Ovarian Follicle / Q000166:cytology*