Super cool X-1000 and Super cool Z-1000, two ice blockers, and their effect on vitrification/warming of mouse embryos.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the survival and blastocyst formation rates of mouse embryos after vitrification/thaw process with different ice blocker media. We used X-1000 and Z-1000 separately and mixed using V-Kim, a closed vitrification system.


METHODS
Mouse embryos were vitrified using ethylene glycol based medium supplemented with Super cool X-1000 and/or Super cool Z-1000.


RESULTS
Survival rates for the control, Super cool X-1000, Super cool Z-1000, and Super cool X-1000/Z-1000 groups were 74%, 72%, 68%, and 85% respectively, with no significant difference among experimental and control groups; however, a significantly higher survival rate was noticed in the Super cool X-1000/Z-1000 group when compared with the Super cool Z-1000 group. Blastocyst formation rates for the control, Super cool X-1000, Super cool Z-1000, and Super cool X-1000/Z-1000 groups were 71%, 66%, 65%, and 72% respectively. There was no significant difference in this rate among control and experimental groups.


CONCLUSIONS
In a closed vitrification system, addition of ice blocker Super cool X-1000 to the vitrification solution containing Super cool Z-1000 may improve the embryo survival rate. We recommend combined ice blocker usage to optimize the vitrification outcome.
Badrzadeh
H
H
Center for Reproductive Health & Gynecology, Beverly Hills, California, United States.
Najmabadi
S
S
Paymani
R
R
Macaso
T
T
Azadbadi
Z
Z
Ahmady
A
A
D000818:Animals; D015925:Cryopreservation / Q000379:methods / Q000662:veterinary*; D003451:Cryoprotective Agents / Q000494:pharmacology*; D004624:Embryo Transfer / Q000379:methods; D004622:Embryo, Mammalian / Q000187:drug effects*; D019855:Ethylene Glycol; D051379:Mice
D003451:Cryoprotective Agents; D019855:Ethylene Glycol