Fusion and development of 2-cell bovine embryos to tetraploid blastocyst with different voltages and durations
Abstract
Background: The values of embryonic stem cell and cloning are evident. Production of
clone from embryonic stem cells can be achieved by introduction of stem cell into a
tetraploid blastocyst. Tetraploid blastocyst can be produced in vitro by electrofusion of
2-cell embryos.
Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the effect of different voltages and
durations on fusion rate of bovine 2-cell embryos and their subsequent development in
vitro.
Material and Methods: The in vitro produced bovine 2-cell embryos were categorized
into 3 groups: (1) fused group (FG); 2-cell embryos fused by exposure to different
voltages (0.5, 0.75, 1, 1.25 and 1.5 kV/cm) and durations (20, 40, 60, 80 and 100 μs),
(2) exposed control group (ECG); 2-cell embryos exposed to different voltages and
durations but remained unfused and (3) unexposed control group (UCG); embryos
cultured without exposure to any voltage. The embryos from each group were cultured
and fusion, cleavage and developmental rates were compared in each group.
Results: The results show that increased voltage, increases the fusion rate up to 88% for
1.5 kV/cm; however, the rate of cleavage and blastocyst formation decreases
significantly to 18% and 10% respectively (p<0.05). Increased duration does not
significantly increase fusion rate, however, in high voltage, increased duration decreases
cleavage rate and blastocyst formation rate. Blastocyst formation rate in UCG showed a
better development (32%) compared to FG (20%) or ECG (22.5%) (p<0.05).
Conclusion: It can be concluded that for optimal fusion, cleavage and development,
one pulse of 0.75 kV/cm for 60μs should be applied.