Mimicking physiological O2 tension in the female reproductive tract improves assisted reproduction outcomes in pig

This study was conducted in pigs. We measured oviductal and uterine O2 tension (n = 29 and 13, respectively) and then examined how the use of the physiological values in pig IVF and EC affected pig ART output (n = 1447 oocytes).PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODSThe oviductal and uterine O2 tension at the different stages of the estrous cycle was monitored using a laparo-endoscopic single-site surgery (LESS) assisted approach along with a flexible and thin miniaturized luminescent probe. Two groups of pigs, Large-white × Landrace breed, were used: for the first group, 16 pre-pubertal gilts (5 months old and 95 kg) were induced to ovulate with equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG) and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG); in the second group 13 mature sows (24–48 months and 185 kg) were used. IVF and EC were perform ed at two different O2 tensions: Atmospheric O2 (20%) and the meanin vivo value measured (7%). At 18 –20 h post-insemination (hpi), a small sample of presumptive zygotes were fixed, stained and examined under epifluorescence microscopy to assess the fertilization rates. At 48 hpi, cleavage was evaluated under the stereomicroscope. Finally, at 180 hpi, development to the blastocyst stage was quant ified, blastocyst morphology was assessed, and embryos were fixed and stained to count the mean cell number per blastocyst.MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCEThe mean O2 content within the pig oviduct and uterus was always lower than in ambient air. The average O2 pe...
Source: Molecular Human Reproduction - Category: Molecular Biology Source Type: research