First pregnancies and livebirths from transfer of sodium alginate encapsulated embryos in a rodent model.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the effect of sodium alginate encapsulation of rodent embryos on in vitro embryonic cleavage rates, implantation rates, and livebirth rates, and to find the in vivo degradation time for the capsules.


METHODS
Studies were conducted using both CB6F1 mice and Golden Syrian hamsters.


RESULTS
Capsules made with 3.0% sodium alginate degraded in vivo within 24 to 48 hours after transfer. In vitro embryonic cleavage of encapsulated embryos was not impaired, nor were implantation rates in CB6F1 mice. Finally, 8.6% of transferred encapsulated embryos resulted in livebirths.


CONCLUSIONS
Encapsulation of rodent embryos in 3.0% sodium alginate is not detrimental to embryonic development, implantation rates, or fetal development. Because the capsule degrades within 48 hours after transfer, encapsulating embryos may be beneficial for human in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer.
Adaniya
G K
GK
Rush Medical College, Chicago, Illinois.
Rawlins
R G
RG
Quigg
J M
JM
Roblero
L
L
Miller
I F
IF
Zaneveld
L J
LJ
D000464:Alginates / Q000494:pharmacology*; D000818:Animals; D006224:Cricetinae; D010064:Embryo Implantation; D004624:Embryo Transfer; D005260:Female; D020723:Glucuronic Acid; D006603:Hexuronic Acids; D008647:Mesocricetus; D051379:Mice; D011247:Pregnancy
D000464:Alginates; D006603:Hexuronic Acids; D020723:Glucuronic Acid