Melatonin promotes embryonic development and reduces reactive oxygen species in vitrified mouse 2-cell embryos.
Two-cell embryos of mouse were vitrified by the open-pulled straw (OPS) method. The vitrified embryos were warmed and introduced into M16 medium for culture that contains melatonin at different concentrations (10(-3), 10(-5), 10(-7), 10(-9), 10(-11) m). This process caused reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation and jeopardized the development of the embryos. Melatonin, at different concentrations, significantly suppresses ROS production and promotes embryonic development in vitrified embryos compared with untreated ones. The mechanistic studies indicated that the beneficial effects of melatonin on vitrified 2-cell embryos of mouse were melatonin receptor (MT1 and MT2) independent. The direct free radical scavenging activity, the enhancement of endogenous glutathione levels, and the anti-apoptotic capacity of melatonin may account for its protective effects on vitrified embryonic development.
Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding of the Ministry of Agriculture, National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China.
Chao
C
Gao
Hong-Bing
HB
Han
Xiu-Zhi
XZ
Tian
Dun-Xian
DX
Tan
Liang
L
Wang
Guang-Bin
GB
Zhou
Shi-En
SE
Zhu
Guo-Shi
GS
Liu
D000818:Animals; D001483:Base Sequence; D017931:DNA Primers; D004622:Embryo, Mammalian / Q000378:metabolism*; D047108:Embryonic Development / Q000187:drug effects*; D008550:Melatonin / Q000494:pharmacology*; D051379:Mice; D017382:Reactive Oxygen Species / Q000378:metabolism*
D017931:DNA Primers; D017382:Reactive Oxygen Species; D008550:Melatonin