title: Human embryo culture.
abstract: Human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) are derived from preimplantation embryos. Approximately 60% of human embryos are blocked during in vitro development. Although statistics are inconclusive, experience demonstrates that hESCs are more effectively derived from high-quality embryos. In this way, optimal human embryo culture conditions are a crucial aspect in any derivation laboratory. Embryos can be cultured solely with sequential media or cocultured on a monolayer of a given cell type. This chapter explores general aspects of human embryonic development, the concept of sequential culture and coculture, and specific protocols and procedures in which the authors are experienced, including the results obtained.
authors.affiliation: Instituo Valenciano de Infertilidad, Instituto Universitario, Vanencia, Spain.
authors.forename: Amparo
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Mercader
authors.forename: Diana
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Valbuena
authors.forename: Carlos
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Simón
mesh_terms: D018920:Coculture Techniques; D003470:Culture Media / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000592:standards*; D046149:Embryo Culture Techniques / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards; D004622:Embryo, Mammalian / Q000166:cytology / Q000196:embryology*; D053595:Embryonic Stem Cells / Q000166:cytology*; D006801:Humans
chemical_list: D003470:Culture Media