Rajesh Natarajan1, Madhira Bhawani Shankar, Deecaraman Munuswamy. 1. Department of Industrial Biotechnology, Dr MGR Educational and Research Institute - Dr MGR University, Maduravoyal, Chennai 600095, Tamilnadu, India. r_jesh2002@yahoo.com
Abstract
PURPOSE: To determine the effects of α-tocopherol supplementation to oocyte maturation media and embryo culture media on the yield of ovine embryos. METHODS: α-tocopherol, at concentrations of 0, 50, 100, 200, 400 and 500 µM was supplemented to ovine oocyte or embryo culture media and cultured at 5% or 20% O(2) levels. Percentages of cleavage, morula and blastocyst, total cell count and comet assay were taken as indicators of developmental competence of embryos. RESULTS: 200 µM α-tocopherol in embryo culture medium at 20% O(2) level significantly increased the rates of cleavage (P < 0.05), morulae (P < 0.05) and blastocyst (P < 0.01) formation and blastocyst total cell number (P < 0.01) when compared with control. The rates of blastocyst formation were also significantly higher in 100 µM (P < 0.01) and 400 µM (P < 0.05) supplemented groups than control. CONCLUSION: α-tocopherol supplementation may enhance the in vitro developmental competence of ovine embryos by protecting them from oxidative damage.
PURPOSE: To determine the effects of α-tocopherol supplementation to oocyte maturation media and embryo culture media on the yield of ovine embryos. METHODS: α-tocopherol, at concentrations of 0, 50, 100, 200, 400 and 500 µM was supplemented to ovine oocyte or embryo culture media and cultured at 5% or 20% O(2) levels. Percentages of cleavage, morula and blastocyst, total cell count and comet assay were taken as indicators of developmental competence of embryos. RESULTS: 200 µM α-tocopherol in embryo culture medium at 20% O(2) level significantly increased the rates of cleavage (P < 0.05), morulae (P < 0.05) and blastocyst (P < 0.01) formation and blastocyst total cell number (P < 0.01) when compared with control. The rates of blastocyst formation were also significantly higher in 100 µM (P < 0.01) and 400 µM (P < 0.05) supplemented groups than control. CONCLUSION: α-tocopherol supplementation may enhance the in vitro developmental competence of ovine embryos by protecting them from oxidative damage.
Authors: G G Leoni; I Rosati; S Succu; L Bogliolo; D Bebbere; F Berlinguer; S Ledda; S Naitana Journal: Reprod Domest Anim Date: 2007-06 Impact factor: 2.005