Development of bovine embryos on Vero/BRL cell monolayers (mixed co-culture).
The objective of this study was to test a new co-culture system of bovine embryos, which we call "mixed co-culture." This system consists of culturing embryos on cell monolayers composed of both Vero and BRL cells (Vero/BRL). Cumulus-oocyte complexes from ovaries of slaughtered cows were matured and fertilized in vitro. The presumptive zygotes were cultured with Vero/BRL (Group 1), BRL (Group 2) or Vero (Group 3) cell monolayers, in 40 microL drops of Menezo B2 medium supplemented with 10% FBS and antibiotics. The development of the presumptive zygotes was compared on Day 2 [48 h post insemination (pi)] and Day 7 (168 h pi). On Day 2, there was no difference between the groups. On Day 7, the highest percentage of compacted morulae/blastocysts was observed in mixed co-culture of Vero/BRL cells: 40% versus 36% on BRL versus 27% on Vero cell monolayers. The differences were statistically significant (P < or = 0.05). Among compacted morulae/blastocysts, blastocysts prevailed in mixed co-culture: 67% on Vero/BRL as compared with 55% on BRL and 27% on Vero cell monolayers. The differences were highly statistically significant (P < or = 0.01). The results suggest that Vero/BRL cells improve the development of bovine embryos.
Duszewska
A M
AM
Department of Experimental Embryology, Institute of Genetics and Animal Breeding, Polish Academy of Sciences, Mroków.
Reklewski
Z
Z
Pieńkowski
M
M
Karasiewicz
J
J
Modliński
J A
JA
D000818:Animals; D002417:Cattle / Q000196:embryology* / Q000502:physiology; D002460:Cell Line; D002522:Chlorocebus aethiops; D018920:Coculture Techniques / Q000379:methods / Q000662:veterinary*; D005260:Female; D005307:Fertilization in Vitro / Q000662:veterinary; D008297:Male; D012098:Reproduction / Q000502:physiology*; D014709:Vero Cells; D015053:Zygote / Q000254:growth & development*