The use of Matrigel at low concentration enhances in vitro blastocyst formation and hatching in a mouse embryo model.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the effect of Matrigel at a low concentration on the growth of mouse embryos in culture.


METHODS
Randomized case-control study of mouse embryos.


METHODS
An academic research environment.


METHODS
Mouse embryos.


METHODS
Embryos were cultured in Quinn's or Celbio's human tubal fluid (HTF) enriched with 1.5% bovine serum albumin and 0.8% liquid Matrigel. Each HTF was compared with the same medium devoid of Matrigel. Afterward, Quinn's and Celbio's HTF, both containing Matrigel, were compared directly. Embryos were cultured in four-well dishes, and their morphology and viability were assessed at 96 hours.


METHODS
Level of interleukin-1alpha in media collected at the end of culture.


RESULTS
In both types of HTF, the presence of Matrigel allowed a larger number of embryos to reach the blastocyst stage and to hatch; blastocyst morphology also was improved. These positive effects were enhanced in Quinn's HTF: embryos cultured in its Matrigel-enriched version secreted a higher level of interleukin-1alpha than those in Celbio's HTF plus Matrigel and also showed a better morphology.


CONCLUSIONS
In the mouse embryo model, Matrigel improves culture conditions in terms of both embryo viability and morphology, and these effects are enhanced in Quinn's HTF.
Lazzaroni
L
L
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Milan, H.S. Raffaele Scientific Institute, Italy.
Fusi
F M
FM
Doldi
N
N
Ferrari
A
A
D000818:Animals; D001755:Blastocyst / Q000502:physiology*; D001826:Body Fluids; D003094:Collagen; D003470:Culture Media; D017077:Culture Media, Conditioned; D046508:Culture Techniques; D004338:Drug Combinations; D005187:Fallopian Tubes / Q000378:metabolism; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007375:Interleukin-1 / Q000032:analysis; D007797:Laminin; D051379:Mice; D011509:Proteoglycans; D012710:Serum Albumin, Bovine
D003470:Culture Media; D017077:Culture Media, Conditioned; D004338:Drug Combinations; D007375:Interleukin-1; D007797:Laminin; D011509:Proteoglycans; C059485:matrigel; D012710:Serum Albumin, Bovine; D003094:Collagen