Embryo transfer manipulation cause gene expression variation in blastocysts that disrupt implantation and offspring rates at birth in rabbit.
OBJECTIVE
In the current study we aimed to evaluate the effect of embryo transfer on gene expression during pre-implantation development and its consequences on implantation rate, offspring rate at birth and embryonic and fetal losses in the rabbit model.


METHODS
The mRNA expressions of 8 candidate genes were compared between 6-day-old in vivo-produced embryos (non-manipulated embryos) to those of 6-day-old embryos previously recovery at the third day of development and transferred into recipient rabbit females (manipulated embryos). Furthermore, we compared between both experimental groups the implantation rate and offspring rate at birth and embryonic and fetal losses.


RESULTS
Differences in transcript abundance of OCT4, C1qTNF1, EMP1 and TNFAIP6 were observed in transferred embryos. In addition, lower implantation and offspring rates at birth were obtained in transferred embryos than in the control group. In addition, embryonic losses were significantly higher in the transferred group than in the control. However, fetal losses were similar between groups.


CONCLUSIONS
The findings of the current study show that embryo transfer manipulation influenced mRNA expression of late blastocysts prior to implantation, resulting in higher gestational losses as a consequence of faulty embryonic implantation.
Follicle Biology Laboratory, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090 Brussels, Belgium.
Maria Desemparats
MD
Saenz-de-Juano
Institute of Science and Animal Technology, Universitat Politècnica de València, 46022 Valencia, Spain.
Francisco
F
Marco-Jiménez
Institute of Science and Animal Technology, Universitat Politècnica de València, 46022 Valencia, Spain. Electronic address: jvicent@dca.upv.es.
Jose Salvador
JS
Vicente
D000818:Animals; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000378:metabolism; D001755:Blastocyst / Q000378:metabolism*; D004477:Ectogenesis; D046149:Embryo Culture Techniques; D010064:Embryo Implantation; D020964:Embryo Loss / Q000209:etiology*; D004624:Embryo Transfer / Q000009:adverse effects*; D004622:Embryo, Mammalian / Q000378:metabolism*; D005260:Female; D005327:Fetal Resorption / Q000209:etiology; D018507:Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental; D007315:Insemination, Artificial / Q000009:adverse effects; D008098:Litter Size; D008297:Male; D050814:Octamer Transcription Factor-3 / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D011247:Pregnancy; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000378:metabolism; D011817:Rabbits
D015415:Biomarkers; D050814:Octamer Transcription Factor-3; D012333:RNA, Messenger
C1QTNF1; EMP1; Embryo transfer; OCT4; Preimplantation embryo; TNFAIP6