Production of good-quality porcine blastocysts by in vitro fertilization of follicular oocytes vitrified at the germinal vesicle stage

We investigated survival, meiotic competence, cytoplasmic maturation, in vitro fertilization, and development of immature porcine (Sus scrofa) oocytes cryopreserved by a modified solid surface vitrification protocol. Cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) collected from follicles 3 to 6 mm in diameter in abattoir-derived ovaries of prepubertal gilts were either vitrified (Vitrified group), subjected to cryoprotectant treatment (CPA group), or used without any treatment (Control group). Oocyte viability was assayed by staining with fluorescein diacetate. Live oocytes were matured in vitro and their meiotic progression investigated by nuclear staining. In a series of experiments, the glutathione (GSH) content of in vitro-matured oocytes and viability of cumulus cells were assayed simultaneously. The in vitro-matured oocytes were also fertilized and cultured in vitro to assess their ability to be fertilized and to develop to the blastocyst stage, respectively. The proportion of viable oocytes in the Vitrified group was significantly lower than that in the CPA and Control groups (27.7%, 90.4%, and 100%, respectively). Among the three groups, there were no differences in meiotic competence, cumulus viability, and GSH levels at the end of in vitro maturation. Fertilization parameters (i.e., rates of male pronucleus formation, monospermy, and second polar body extrusion) were also similar among groups. However, comparison of the developmental abilities of oocytes in the Vitrified, CPA, and Control groups revealed that the Vitrified group had a significantly reduced ability to undergo first cleavage (34.4%, 63.3%, and 69.0%) and to develop to the blastocyst stage (5.1%, 25.5%, and 34.6%). The mean total cell numbers in blastocysts after 6 d of culture were not significantly different among the Vitrified, CPA, and Control groups (40.3, 42.8, and 43.4). In conclusion, despite low survival rates and impaired development in the Vitrified group, meiotic competence, cytoplasmic maturation, and subsequent fertilization characteristics of surviving germinal vesicle oocytes were unaffected by vitrification, and high-quality blastocysts were produced from vitrified immature oocytes.     

Comparison of cytoskeletal integrity,fertilization and developmental competence of oocytes vitrified before or after in vitro maturation in a porcine model

Aim of the study was to investigate the effect of vitrification on viability, cytoskeletal integrity and in vitro developmental competence after in vitro fertilization (IVF) of oocytes vitrified before or after in vitro maturation (IVM) using a pig model. Oocytes from abattoir-derived porcine ovaries were vitrified at either the germinal vesicle (GV) or metaphase II (MII) stage by modified solid surface vitrification (SSV). Oocyte viability was evaluated by stereomicroscopic observation whereas their nuclear stage and morphology of microtubules and F-actin were observed by confocal microscopy after immunostaining. Fertilization was assessed by orcein staining. The survival rate after vitrification was higher for MII-stage than for GV-stage oocytes. However, the ability of surviving oocytes to reach the MII stage after vitrification at the GV stage (GV-vitrified oocytes) was similar to that of control oocytes. Furthermore, after IVM, GV-vitrified oocytes had better spindle and F-actin integrity than oocytes vitrified at the MII stage (MII-vitrified oocytes). In accordance with this result, GV-vitrified oocytes had better ability to extrude the second polar body and support male pronucleus formation after in vitro fertilization (IVF), in comparison to MII-vitrified oocytes. Fertilization rates did not differ among groups. Finally, the ability of GV-vitrified oocytes to develop into embryos was superior to that of MII-vitrified oocytes. However, both vitrified groups showed reduced blastocyst development compared with the control group. In conclusion vitrification of porcine oocytes at the GV stage is advantageous in conferring better cytoskeletal organization and competence to develop to the blastocyst stage in comparison with vitrification at the MII stage.     

Accumulation of 2-deoxy-D-glucose by primate oocytes fertilized in vitro

The present study was designed to investigate the accumulation of 2-deoxy-D-glucose (2-DG) by squirrel monkey oocytes fertilized in vitro; to assess the effects of insulin addition to the medium on 2-DG accumulation; and, finally, to evaluate the use of 2-DG in viability determinations of oocytes. Accumulation of 2-DG by unfertilized oocytes from squirrel monkeys was 13.94 fmol/oocyte/3 h and was not affected by the addition of either 10 nM or 1 μM insulin. There was no change in 2-DG accumulation with fertilization in vitro; 2-DG accumulation by degenerate ova was reduced to background levels. These results suggest low utilization of glucose by early primate embryos similar to that demonstrated for other mammalian species; 2-DG appears to be a good viability indicator of early primate embryos.     

Development of androgenetic mouse embryos produced by in vitro fertilization of enucleated oocytes

Enucleated mouse oocytes were successfully fertilized in vitro, and the resultant androgenetic eggs developed to the blastocyst stage. The proportion of enucleated oocytes fertilized in vitro was high (87–99%) at sperm concentrations ranging from 10–100 × 10⁴/ml. At high sperm concentrations (100–1,000 × 10⁴), 35–45% of the fertilized eggs resulted in heterozygous bispermic androgenones. The proportion of hemizygous haploid and heterozygous diploid androgenones developing to blastocysts was 11% and 43%, respectively. Hemizygous diploidization, however, showed no positive effect on development. These results clearly show that the procedure reported here is efficient and reliable for the production of androgenetic eggs. © 1993 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

In vitro fertilization of pig oocytes matured in vitro

The development of in vitro fertilization (IVF) techniques in pigs as well as in other species is of great importance because of the possible applications of this technology in different research fields. Methods of IVF vary in different incubation periods and temperatures, in the hormone concentrations used, and in the treatment of the sperm samples. It has been particularly difficult to succeed in the achievement of fertilization in the pig. In the present study we used FSH and LH concentrations of 2 IU/ml for oocyte maturation, an incubation temperature of 37°C, and dilution of spermatozoa for capacitation, and we achieved a high fertilization rate (50 to 75%) with no cases of polyspermy.     

Injection of frozen-thawed porcine first polar bodies into enucleated oocytes results in fertilization and embryonic development

The objective was to determine whether enucleated oocytes injected with frozen porcine first polar bodies (pPB1s) could be fertilized and developed into viable embryos in vitro. Metaphase II (MII) oocytes with pPB1s were frozen (vitrified) and stored for 2 mo. The pPB1s were isolated from thawed MII oocytes and injected into enucleated recipient oocytes by micromanipulation. All recipients injected with thawed pPB1s were fertilized by intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), and the resulting recombinant zygotes were incubated to assess their developmental competence in vitro. Furthermore, double-antibody immunohistochemistry was used to verify that the nucleus of the pPB1 participated in fertilization and supported embryonic development. Porcine embryos (2- to 8-cell stage) were obtained from the recombinants. The average in vitro cleavage rate of 2-, 4-, and 8-cell stage recombinant embryos was 25.3, 17.7, and 9.3% (P < 0.05), respectively. Chromosomes in the labeled pPB1 participated in the formation of the two blastomere nuclei of 2-cell stage embryos derived from recombinant oocytes. In conclusion, nuclear materials of frozen-thawed pPB1 supported oocyte fertilization and subsequent embryonic development, thereby providing a new way to use frozen PB1s for preservation and reproduction of mammals.     

Developmental competence of frozen-thawed yak (Bos grunniens) oocytes followed by in vitro maturation and fertilization

In the present study, we examined the ability of immature germinal vesicle (GV) and subjected to in vitro matured (MII) yak oocytes to survive after cryopreservation as well as their subsequent development following in vitro maturation and fertilization. Both GV and MII oocytes were cryopreserved by using two different vitrification solutions (VS); VS-I contained 10% ethylene glycol (EG) and 10% dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) in TCM-199 + 20% (v/v) fetal calf serum (FCS) whereas VS-II contained 40% EG + 18% Ficoll + 0.5 M sucrose in TCM-199 + 20% FCS. The percentage of oocytes found to be morphologically normal was greater (P < 0.01) in VS-I group than in VS-II group. Rates of cleavage (30.6–42.2%) and blastocyst formation (2.9–8.9%) did not differ among groups, but were lower than in unfrozen control (55.7% and 25.4%, P < 0.01). These results show that a combination of EG and DMSO or EG, Ficoll and sucrose can be used to cryopreserve yak oocytes in French straws.     

In vitro embryo production in camel (Camelus dromedarius) from in vitro matured oocytes fertilized with epididymal spermatozoa stored at 4 degrees C

Experiments were conducted to study the effect of storing epididymal spermatozoa, in tris-tes- and tris-lactose egg yolk extenders, on their fertilizing ability and subsequent in vitro embryo development. Ovaries and testes were collected from a local slaughterhouse in normal saline solution (NSS) at 37 degrees C and on ice (0-1 degrees C), respectively. Cumulus oocyte complexes (COCs) aspirated from the follicles were randomly distributed to 4-well culture plates (20-25COCs/well) containing 500 microL of maturation medium and cultured at 38.5 degrees C in an atmosphere of 5% CO(2) in air for 36 h. Spermatozoa were collected from the cauda epididymides in syringes containing 2-3 mL of either tris-tes- or tris-lactose egg yolk extender. They were cooled down slowly and stored at refrigeration (4 degrees C) temperature. The spermatozoa were evaluated for motility and used for IVF of IVM oocytes on the day of collection and after 2, 4, 6 and 8 days of storage. On the day of IVF, spermatozoa were prepared by the swim up technique and both spermatozoa and oocytes were co-incubated at 38.5 degrees C in a humidified atmosphere of 5% CO(2) in air for 15-16 h. Presumptive zygotes were either fixed and stained with Hoechst 33342 for evaluation of fertilization or were cultured in 500 microL of the culture medium at 38.5 degrees C in an atmosphere of 5% CO(2), 5% O(2) and 90% N(2) in air. There was no significant difference (P>0.05) in the proportion of oocytes fertilized with spermatozoa stored in either of the two extenders for up to 8 days. The proportion of oocytes that cleaved (43-60%) and those that developed to blastocysts (14-21%) did not show any difference (P>0.05) either, when spermatozoa from different days of storage were used. First cleavage was observed as early as 16 h after IVF, early blastocysts had developed by day 4, expanded blastocysts after day 5 and hatching of blastocysts started after day 6 of culture. It may be concluded that dromedary epididymal spermatozoa survive in storage for at least 8 days in tris-lactose- and tris-tes egg yolk diluents at 4 degrees C. These spermatozoa maintain fertilizing ability and may be suitable for use in IVF and other assisted reproductive procedures.     

Effect of follicle cells on the acrosome reaction, fertilization, and developmental competence of bovine oocytes matured in vitro

The role of follicle cells in the acrosome reaction of frozen-thawed bovine spermatozoa, in vitro fertilization, cleavage, and development in vitro was investigated. Cumulus-oocyte complexes were cocultured and matured in vitro with additional granulosa cells for 24 hr. Immediately before in vitro insemination, the oocytes were divided into three types with different follicle cells: denuded and corona- and cumulus-enclosed oocytes. The proportion of live, acrosome-reacted spermatozoa significantly increased at 3 and 6 hr after insemination in all types of oocytes. However, the mean proportion of live, acrosome-reacted spermatozoa that inseminated cumulus-enclosed oocytes at 6 hr after insemination was significantly higher than that of spermatozoa inseminating denuded oocytes (18.3% and 13.3%, respectively). The frequency of in vitro fertilization was significantly higher for cumulus-enclosed oocytes (65.4%) than for denuded and corona-enclosed oocytes (30.8% and 39.4%, respectively). Cumulus-enclosed oocytes when cocultured with oviduct epithelial cells also had significantly higher rates of cleavage (two- to eight-cell, 59.8%; eight-cell, 22.4%) and blastocyst formation (7.7%) than denuded and corona-enclosed oocytes. No eight-cell embryos or more advanced stages of embryonic development were observed in either denuded or corona-enclosed oocytes without the coculture. The present results indicate that cumulus cells at fertilization play an important role in inducing the acrosome reaction and promoting a high fertilization rate, cleavage, and development into blastocysts in vitro.     

Second meiotic nondisjunction is not increased in postovulatory aged murine oocytes fertilized in vitro

Summary We used an in vitro fertilization system to examine the effects of postovulatory oocyte age on nondisjunction at the second meiotic division. After ovulatory-inducing injections of hormone, we recovered mouse oocytes either at the estimated time of ovulation (controls) or 2, 4, 5, 10, or 14 h later. Oocytes were subjected to an in vitro fertilization procedure, and chromosomal preparations were made from first cleavage metaphase eggs. The first cleavage assay reveals morphologically distinguishable paternal and maternal chromosomes. Many of the aged oocytes were activated rather than fertilized by the in vitro procedure, but could still be analyzed for nondisjunction. We foun a tendency toward retention of the second polar body after 10 and 14 h aging. A total of 488 maternal genomes, 290 of which were in the control group, were analyzable for nondisjunction. Seven hyperhaploid genomes (2.4%) were observed in the controls and 6 (3.0%) in the combined aged group. The difference between these two frequencies is not significant (G _adj=0.164,P>0.50). In the aged group, one hyperhaploid genome was in the 2-h population, three in the 5-h population, and two in the 10-h population. We were unable to find any significant increase in the frequency of nondisjunction after postovulatory oocyte aging. This work was supported by National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, grants HD-12035 and HD-19040 to PAM-D.     

Effects of oxygen tension and follicle cells on maturation and fertilization of porcine oocytes during in vitro culture in follicular fluid

The objective was to investigate the effects of oxygen tension and follicle cells (FCs) during in vitro maturation of porcine oocytes in only porcine (Sus scrofa domesticus) follicular fluid (pFF), using static and non-static (rotating) culture systems, on the nuclear maturation and subsequent in vitro fertilization of the oocytes. In the first experiment, cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) were matured for 48 h in pFF supplemented with (+) or without (−) FCs (5.2 × 10⁶ cells/mL), using the static (S) and rotating (R) culture systems (+FC/S, −FC/S, +FC/R, and −FC/R) under 5% or 20% O₂. Co-culture with FCs in the static culture system (+FC/S) had a detrimental effect on the meiotic competence of oocytes, whereas co-culture with FCs in the rotating culture system (+FC/R) increased maturation rates. In both culture systems, oxygen tension had no apparent effects on meiotic competence of oocytes, irrespective of culture system and FC addition. In the second experiment, COCs were matured under 5% or 20% O₂ using the −FC/S or +FC/R culture systems and then fertilized. Oxygen tension had no significant effects on fertilization parameters, irrespective of the culture system. The rotating culture system increased rates of sperm penetration and male pronuclear formation and decreased polyspermic fertilization compared with the static culture system (P < 0.05). In conclusion, both −FC/S and +FC/R culture systems supported meiotic competence, irrespective of oxygen tension. However, the +FC/R culture system may be superior to the −FC/S culture system for promoting fertilization.     

猪卵巢体外保存温度对卵母细胞染色质构型和成熟能力的影响

Most porcine oocytes used in studies on embryo biotechnology and the in vitro production of embryos are currently obtained from the ovaries of slaughtered gilts. The duration and temperature during ovary transportation and handling might, therefore, affect the recovery of culturable COCs, chromatin configuration and developmental competence of oocytes. The effects of ovary storage temperature on chromatin configuration and in vitro maturation of porcine oocytes were examined in this study. Ovaries collected from a slaughterhouse were stored in vitro for 8 h under different temperatures. The results showed that more culturable COCs were isolated from the ovares stored at 39℃ than that from ovaries stored at 31℃ or 20℃ and before storage. Thirty-one centidegree was the best storage temperature in terms of cumulus expansion, nuclear maturation and morphology of the first polar body after in vitro maturation culture. The ability of cumulus expansion was completely lost in COCs derived from ovaries stored at 39℃ for 8 hours. Ovary storage （at both 31℃ and at 20℃ ） increased the proportion of oocytes with the GVc configuration in which chromatin condensed into a single big clump at the nucleolus and the functional significance of this configuration needs further investigations [ Acta Zoologica Sinica 51 （5）： 919 923, 2005].     

Full-term development of rats from oocytes fertilized in vitro using cryopreserved ejaculated sperm

For preservation of rat spermatozoa, the general-purpose method requires that the male be sacrificed for collection of spermatozoa from the epididymides. However, it would be highly useful if the ejaculated spermatozoa could be successfully cryopreserved and the frozen–thawed spermatozoa used for in vitro fertilization, since this would allow the genetically valuable rats to be maintained alive rather than sacrificed. The aim of the present study was to clarify whether ejaculated rat spermatozoa could be successfully cryopreserved and fertilized in vitro. The motility and viability of frozen–thawed ejaculated spermatozoa were similar to those of frozen–thawed epididymal spermatozoa (around 10%). The percentage of acrosomal integrity in epididymal spermatozoa was significantly higher than that in ejaculated spermatozoa after freezing/thawing. The level of capacitation-associated protein tyrosine phosphorylation in frozen–thawed ejaculated sperm was slightly increased at 5 h. When the frozen–thawed ejaculated spermatozoa were used for in vitro fertilization, the percentages of fertilization, pronuclear formation, and development to the 2-cell stage (26.5%, 23.0%, and 91.0%, respectively) were similar to those of frozen–thawed epididymal spermatozoa (19.4%, 15.0%, and 84.1%, respectively). However, the rate of blastocyst formation in the ejaculated group was significantly lower than that in the epididymal group (12.0% vs 43.2%). Results from the embryo transfer experiment showed that the proportions of embryos developed to term were similar between the ejaculated (47.7%) and epididymal groups (53.7%). We showed here for the first time that ejaculated spermatozoa can be cryopreserved and the frozen–thawed sperm could be developed to term via in vitro fertilization in rats.     

Developmental competence of pig oocytes matured and fertilized in vitro

Pig follicles 3 to 6 mm in diameter were everted and matured for 44 h. The oocytes were then collected and exposed to capacitated boar sperm purified by centrifugation in a two step (65 and 70%) Percoll gradient. Of 110 ova fixed 14 h after in vitro fertilization, 78% were penetrated and 47% were monospermic. Next, 681 oocytes were cultured in vitro for 44 h after in vitro fertilization and the 266 embryos which had reached the two- to four-cell stage were transferred into the oviducts of 12 synchronized recipient gilts. Four days later, 211 embryos (79%) were recovered by uterine flushing. 40.7% of these were at the blastocyst stage, and 20% were at the morula stage. In a final experiment, four out of eight gilts which had received 40 to 50 two- to four-cell embryos, were diagnosed pregnant 30 and 37 d after in vitro fertilization. One sow farrowed nine live piglets and one stillborn, two pregnancies were in progress, while one sow returned to estrus 47 d after in vitro fertilization. These results demonstrate that pig oocytes matured and fertilized in vitro can develop to the blastocyst stage and establish a normal pregnancy resulting in the birth of live piglets.     

Response of porcine oocytes to electrical and chemical activation during maturation in vitro

These studies were conducted to examine activation of in vitro-matured porcine oocytes in response to an electrical stimulus or to an ionophore. Cumulus-enclosed porcine oocytes were incubated in maturation medium supplemented with either FSH and LH (MM:Exp.1) or pregnant mare serum gonadotropin (PMSG; MM-P: experiments 2-4) at 39 degrees C in 5% CO2:95% air with high humidity. In experiment 1, groups of oocytes were stripped of cumulus and then shampulsed (control) or electrically pulsed with a Zimmerman Cell Fusion unit at 24, 31, 41, 48, and 65 h of incubation. Control oocytes were exposed to the activation medium for 20 sec, whereas oocytes to be pulsed were subjected to a single activation pulse (120 V, 30 microseconds). Oocytes were cultured for an additional 24 h and then fixed and examined. For oocytes pulsed at 24, 31, 41, 48, and 65 h, the proportions which activated were 0, 0, 87, 88, and 83%, respectively. In experiment 2, oocytes were electrically or sham-pulsed with a BTX 200 Embryomanipulation System at 24, 30, and 40 h of incubation and respective proportions of oocytes activating were 27%, 39%, and 72%. In experiment 3, oocytes were subjected to 0, 1, or 2 activation pulses after 41 h of incubation in MM-P. Double-pulsing halved the proportion of activated oocytes (P less than .0001). In experiment 4, oocytes were subjected to 0, 25, 50, or 100 microM ionophore at 48 h of incubation. Proportions of oocytes activated by ionophore were greater than for control (P less than .05), but activation was not increased by increasing dose of ionophore.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

A combination of FSH and dibutyryl cyclic AMP promote growth and acquisition of meiotic competence of oocytes from early porcine antral follicles

Growing porcine oocytes from early antral follicles (1.2-1.5 mm in diameter) do not mature to metaphase II (MII, 4%) under culture conditions which supported maturation (MII, 95%) of fully grown oocytes from large (4-6 mm) antral follicles. We hypothesized that FSH and dbcAMP supported growth and acquisition of meiotic competence. Growing oocytes (113.0 ± 0.4 μm, mean ± SEM) were cultured for 5 d in medium supplemented with 1 mM dbcAMP, 0.01 IU/mL FSH or both; in these media, oocytes reached, 120.5 ± 0.4, 123.5 ± 0.4 and 125.7 ± 0.2 μm, respectively, after 5 d, and then were matured in vitro for 48 h. Oocytes remained enclosed by cumulus cells when cultured with FSH (82%) or both FSH and dbcAMP (80%), but not with dbcAMP alone (0%). Furthermore, oocytes cultured with FSH maintained trans-zonal projections of cumulus cells. Oocytes remained at the GV stage at higher rates when cultured with dbcAMP and FSH (99%), or dbcAMP (97%), than with FSH (64%), or without either (75%). Following in vitro maturation, oocytes reached MII after in vitro growth with dbcAMP (19%), FSH (11%), or both (68%). When oocytes were cultured with both FSH and dbcAMP, activation of Cdc2 and MAP kinases in growing oocytes was similar to fully grown oocytes. In conclusion, growing porcine oocytes grew and acquired meiotic competence in medium supplemented with dbcAMP and FSH; the former maintained oocytes in meiotic arrest, whereas the latter maintained trans-zonal projections of cumulus cells to oocytes during in vitro growth culture.     

Gamete rescue in the African black rhinoceros (Diceros bicornis)

Mortality rates are high among captive African black rhinoceroses (Diceros bicornis), due to increased susceptibility to disease. The ability to rescue genetic material from individuals that die unexpectedly represents a practical approach to assist ex situ conservation efforts. The objectives of the present study were to attempt postmortem oocyte recovery from ovaries of African black rhinoceroses (N = 6) and to test the efficacy of equine protocols for rhinoceros oocyte IVM and IVF using cryopreserved rhinoceros sperm. The interval from ovary removal to oocyte recovery was 25.3 ± 13.9 h (mean ± SD). Ovaries were transported at 4 °C or 22 °C and effects of temperature on postmortem oocyte competence was evaluated. Numbers of oocytes collected per female averaged 15.8 ± 6.9. In total, 95 oocytes were recovered. Of these, 85 were inseminated using homologous sperm and 10 were inseminated using heterologous sperm. Overall, substantial numbers of viable oocytes were retrieved from African black rhinoceros ovaries 1 to 2 days postmortem from ovaries stored at ambient temperature. A proportion of these oocytes matured and underwent penetration and fertilization by heterologous or homologous frozen-thawed rhinoceros sperm. The reproductive competence of postmortem oocytes was further demonstrated by development of a single two-cell embryo. Despite the need for further refinements, gamete rescue in the rhinoceros has promise for producing rhinoceros embryos, as well as testing sperm functions in vitro.     

Birth of domestic cat kittens of predetermined sex after transfer of embryos produced by in vitro fertilization of oocytes with flow-sorted sperm

Our goals were to: (1) determine if domestic cat sperm could be sorted to high purity by flow cytometry after overnight shipment of cooled samples; (2) evaluate the efficiency with which sorted sperm could be used to generate cat embryos in vitro; and (3) determine if live kittens of predetermined sex could be produced after transfer of embryos derived by IVF using sorted sperm. Semen samples (n = 5) from one male were extended in electrolyte-free solution and shipped overnight at 4 °C to the sorting facility. Samples were adjusted to 75 × 10⁶ sperm/mL and stained with Hoechst 33342. After 1 h at 34.5 °C, samples were adjusted to 50 × 10⁶ sperm/mL with 4% egg yolk TALP + 0.002% food dye and sorted by high-speed flow cytometry. Later resort analysis confirmed purities of 94% and 83% for X- and Y-chromosome bearing sperm, respectively. Sorted sperm were centrifuged, re-suspended in TEST yolk buffer and shipped overnight to the IVF laboratory. After IVF of in vivo matured oocytes with X-chromosome bearing sperm, cleavage frequency was 62% (54/87). After IVF of IVM oocytes with control, X- or Y-chromosome bearing sperm, the incidence of cleavage was 42% (48/115), 33% (40/120), and 35% (52/150), respectively, and blastocyst development was 53% (21/40), 50% (11/22), and 55% (23/42), respectively (P > 0.05). On Day 2, 45 embryos produced by IVF of in vivo matured oocytes with X-chromosome bearing sperm were transferred to the oviduct of four Day 1 recipients, three of which subsequently delivered litters of one, four, and seven female kittens, respectively. In conclusion, we confirmed that sperm sorting technology can be applied to domestic cats and established that kittens of predetermined sex can be produced.     

Effects of carbon dioxide acidification of mouse oocytes before in vitro fertilization,culture, and transfer

The effects of varying pH levels on superovulated mouse oocytes before in vitro fertilization, culture, and transfer were investigated. Mouse oocytes acidified for 1 hour with 20% CO₂ (pH 6.9) exhibited a wide range of alterations. Five hours after insemination, 25% of these eggs showed different degrees of cytolysis and their perivitelline space contained numerous spermatozoa. At 12 hours normal-looking eggs from this group showed a higher proportion of polypronuclear zygotes than the control group (exposed, 51%; controls, 18%). Acidification thus markedly increased the permeability of the zona pellucida and/or interfered with the normal block to polyspermy. Fewer eggs achieved the two-cell stage among groups submitted to acidotic pH levels (6.9 to 6.6). In contrast, alkaline conditions (pH 7.8) did not reduce the proportion of two-cell embryos. However, only eggs maintained at pH 7.5 were capable of producing 80% of blastocysts. In other groups developmental blockage occurred mainly between stages 2 and 4. A significant reduction was found in the proportion of recipient females becoming pregnant after intrauterine transfer of blastocysts originating from CO₂-treated oocytes. This difference might be related to the existence of a large polyploid population among experimental eggs.