Published in:
01-08-2011 | Technical Innovations
A potential use of embryonic stem cell medium for the in vitro culture of preimplantation embryos
Authors:
Katherine Gelber, Aileen N. Tamura, Vernadeth B. Alarcon, Yusuke Marikawa
Published in:
Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics
|
Issue 8/2011
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Abstract
Purpose
To assess the impact of embryonic stem cell culture medium (ESCM) on the pre- and post-implantation development of the mouse embryo, as a mammalian model, in comparison with the conventional culture medium, a potassium simplex optimized medium (KSOM).
Methods
Development in ESCM versus KSOM was compared in terms of embryo morphology, cleavage, cavitation, hatching, cell number, expression of TE and ICM transcription factors (Cdx2 and Oct4, respectively), implantation, and development in utero.
Results
An enriched medium like ESCM can be beneficial for in vitro embryo development when cultured from the 8-cell stage, as evidenced by promotion of blastocyst development with respect to cavity expansion, hatching, and cell division. Such benefits were not observed when embryos were cultured from the 2-cell stage.
Conclusions
ESCM may augment in vitro embryo development from the 8-cell stage. Using different culture media at different stages may be beneficial to achieve more effective human in vitro fertilization.