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Published in: Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics 3/2012

01-03-2012 | Embryo Biology

Dipeptide forms of glycine support mouse preimplantation embryo development in vitro and provide protection against high media osmolality

Authors: Molly Moravek, Senait Fisseha, Jason E. Swain

Published in: Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics | Issue 3/2012

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Abstract

Purpose

To examine potential benefits of dipeptide forms of amino acids for embryo culture by determining ability of dipeptide glycine forms to support embryo development, act as osmolytes, and reduce ammonia production.

Methods

Frozen thawed 1-cell mouse embryos were cultured in media with varying osmolality with glycine and dipeptide forms of glycine and development assessed. Ammonia levels were measured in various media.

Results

Dipeptide forms of glycine, alanyl- and glycyl-glycine, can support mouse embryo development in vitro. Additionally, dipeptide glycine can act as an organic osmolyte in developing embryos, permitting blastocyst formation in high osmolality media. Interestingly, as evidenced by decreased embryo development, dipeptides are not as efficient as osmolytes as their constituent individual amino acids. Dipeptide glycine produced less ammonia than glycine.

Conclusion

Though dipeptides can provide osmoregulation in preimplantation embryos, efficacy may be lower than individual amino acids. The mechanism by which embryos transport and utilize dipeptide amino acids remains to be identified.
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Metadata
Title
Dipeptide forms of glycine support mouse preimplantation embryo development in vitro and provide protection against high media osmolality
Authors
Molly Moravek
Senait Fisseha
Jason E. Swain
Publication date
01-03-2012
Publisher
Springer US
Published in
Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics / Issue 3/2012
Print ISSN: 1058-0468
Electronic ISSN: 1573-7330
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10815-011-9705-7

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