Three dimensional reconstruction of two-cell mouse embryo by laser scanning microscopy

The direct method of volumetric parameters’ measurement of early mammal embryo was developed. The sample preparation was based on embryo cryofixation followed by laser scanning microscopy. Digital image processing and three dimensional reconstruction of embryos was performed with standard graphic software. The availability of a developed technique for the analysis of cell physiology at cultivation conditions was demonstrated on isolated two-cell mouse embryo.     

Glycine-dependent features of osmotic response to hypotonic stress in mouse mature oocyte

Using quantitative laser-scanning microtomography (QLSM), the response of mature mouse oocytes to hypotonic stress was investigated. The response exhibited the following features: (1) oocytes were capable of regulatory volume decrease (RVD); (2) unlike zygote and two-cell embryo, the oocyte volume recovery was not complete even by 120 min; (3) millimolar and submillimolar concentrations of glycine arrested the development of RVD in oocytes.