Blastocyst rate and live births from vitrification and slow-cooled two-cell mouse embryos.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to develop a closed vitrification system, compare vitrification to a slow-cooled cryopreservation method, and compare the pup rate between both methods using two-cell mouse embryos.


METHODS
Randomized, prospective animal study.


METHODS
Hospital-based IVF practice.


METHODS
B6C3F1 mouse embryos.


METHODS
Two-cell mouse embryos were cryopreserved using a slow-cooled or vitrification method and then thawed at a later date. The embryos were cultured and transferred to recipient females.


METHODS
Embryos were observed for blastocyst rate and pups were observed for phenotypic anomalies and weighed at 30, 60, and 90 days after birth.


RESULTS
Neither the blastocyst rate, pup rate, nor pup weights were significantly different when the two cryopreservation methods were compared.


CONCLUSIONS
Because there were no differences in blastocyst rates, pup rates, or pup weights, we plan to further investigate the potential effects of vitrification on genotypic damage via the Comet Assay.
Graves-Herring
Jennifer E
JE
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Reproduction Endocrinology and Infertility, Greenville Hospital System University Medical Group, Greenville, South Carolina 29605, USA.
Boone
William R
WR
D000818:Animals; D001755:Blastocyst / Q000502:physiology*; D001835:Body Weight; D015925:Cryopreservation / Q000379:methods*; D046149:Embryo Culture Techniques; D004624:Embryo Transfer; D004622:Embryo, Mammalian; D047108:Embryonic Development; D005260:Female; D008098:Litter Size; D050498:Live Birth; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice; D011247:Pregnancy; D011446:Prospective Studies; D014886:Weaning