Ovarian stimulation, in vitro fertilization, and effects of culture conditions on baboon preimplantation embryo development.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the effects of ovarian stimulation and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI)-induced fertilization and efficacy of various culture systems on in vitro development of baboon embryos.


METHODS
In vitro study, animal model.


METHODS
Research laboratory.


METHODS
Baboons in laboratory animal research facility.


METHODS
Baboons received FSH (75 IU daily) for 7 to 8 days and FSH/LH (75/75 IU daily) for 3 days, followed by hCG (2,000 IU). Oocytes were retrieved laparoscopically 36 hours after hCG. Intracytoplasmic sperm injection was performed on metaphase II (MII) oocytes. Fertilized embryos were placed into different culture conditions and feeder cell coculture. Embryo development was observed through the most advanced stages, including blastocyst formation.


METHODS
Oocytes retrieved, fertilization rates, multicell embryo rates, and blastocyst rates.


RESULTS
Baboon oocytes (n = 1,924, from 49 cycles) were retrieved. Significant heterogeneity was seen in ovarian response to exogenous gonadotropins and subsequent oocyte maturation. The percentage of MII oocytes showed no significant difference among individual female baboons and stimulation cycles. Nearly two thirds of MII oocytes were successfully fertilized with ICSI. Blastocyst rates varied significantly among embryos in different treatments. Coculture with feeder cells in P1/Blast, Quinn's Advantage, and Sydney IVF media generated better blastocyst rates.


CONCLUSIONS
We tested multiple media and feeder cell combinations to optimize culture conditions in baboon embryo culture and obtained a high blastocyst rate similar to those reported for rhesus monkey embryos cultured in vitro, but still lower than with assisted reproductive technologies in women.
Chang
Tien-Cheng
TC
Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, Texas 78229, USA.
Eddy
Carlton A
CA
Ying
Ying
Y
Liu
Ya-Guang
YG
Holden
Alan E
AE
Brzyski
Robert G
RG
Schenken
Robert S
RS
D000818:Animals; D018929:Cell Culture Techniques / Q000379:methods*; D018920:Coculture Techniques; D004622:Embryo, Mammalian / Q000166:cytology* / Q000196:embryology*; D047108:Embryonic Development / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D005307:Fertilization in Vitro / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D010062:Ovulation Induction / Q000379:methods*; D010215:Papio; D011247:Pregnancy; D051381:Rats