Effect of choline-supplemented sodium-depleted slow freezing versus vitrification on mouse oocyte meiotic spindles and chromosome abnormalities.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate and compare vitrification and choline-supplemented sodium-depleted slow freezing of mouse oocytes.


METHODS
Animal study.


METHODS
University-affiliated hospital.


METHODS
CD-1 mice.


METHODS
Oocyte cryopreservation by vitrification or choline-supplemented sodium-depleted slow freezing.


METHODS
Survival rate, fertilization and embryonic development in vitro, meiotic spindle and chromosome configuration, and aneuploidy screening after parthenogenetic activation.


RESULTS
A total of 564 oocytes were vitrified, and 791 oocytes were cryopreserved using the slow freezing. The survival rates were 91.8% (518/564) and 73.3% (579/791), respectively. After IVF, the cleavage and blastocyst formation rates of vitrified oocytes were significantly higher than those of slow-frozen oocytes (63.6% vs. 39.9% and 30.50% vs. 20.2%, respectively). Vitrified oocytes were more likely than slow-frozen oocytes to maintain normal meiotic spindles and chromosome alignment (86.9% vs. 70.1%). However, the incidence of aneuploidy was similar in vitrified oocytes and slow-frozen oocytes (9.30% vs. 8.7%).


CONCLUSIONS
Vitrification is superior to choline-supplemented sodium-depleted slow freezing, leading to improved survival, fertilization, and embryonic development in vitro. Analysis of meiotic spindle integrity and chromosome alignment indicates that less damage was detected in vitrified oocytes. However, the incidence of aneuploidy is similar in both vitrified and slow-frozen oocytes.
Huang
Jack Y J
JY
Division of Reproductive Biology and Experimental Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
Chen
Hai-Ying
HY
Tan
Seang-Lin
SL
Chian
Ri-Cheng
RC
D000818:Animals; D002794:Choline / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D002869:Chromosome Aberrations / Q000196:embryology; D015925:Cryopreservation / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D005615:Freezing; D008297:Male; D008540:Meiosis / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*; D051379:Mice; D009865:Oocytes; D012964:Sodium / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000378:metabolism; D013997:Time Factors
D012964:Sodium; D002794:Choline