Differential pH in embryo culture.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the optimum pH in sequential media for embryo culture around the fertilization-zygote stage and cleavage stage, with use of a mouse embryo assay.


METHODS
Experimental laboratory study.


METHODS
University Hospital and University Research Unit.


METHODS
F1 hybrids between CD1 female and BDF male mice.


METHODS
Fertilized, one-cell mouse embryos were cultured 5 days in test media where pH was changed at defined time intervals.


METHODS
Percentage of good-quality embryos, defined by strict morphology.


RESULTS
A significantly improved development was observed when pH was as high as 7.30 before the pronuclear stage and lowered to pH 7.15 during the cleavage period.


CONCLUSIONS
Good embryo development is consistent with two different pH values in sequential culture media. This could have important implications for embryo culture in human IVF.
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, IVF Unit, University Hospital of Northern Norway, Tromsø, Norway.
Martha
M
Hentemann
Karim
K
Mousavi
Kjell
K
Bertheussen
D000818:Animals; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D003470:Culture Media / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000494:pharmacology; D047108:Embryonic Development / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice; D009865:Oocytes / Q000166:cytology* / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*; D011247:Pregnancy
D003470:Culture Media