Slow and steady cell shrinkage reduces osmotic stress in bovine and murine oocyte and zygote vitrification.

ABSTRACT:

Study question

Does the use of a new cryoprotectant agent (CPA) exchange protocol designed to minimize osmotic stress improve oocyte or zygote vitrification by reducing sublethal cryodamage?

Summary answer

The use of a new CPA exchange protocol made possible by automated microfluidics improved oocyte and zygote vitrification with superior morphology as indicated by a smoother cell surface, higher sphericity, higher cytoplasmic lipid retention, less cytoplasmic leakage and higher developmental competence compared with conventional methods.

What is known already

The use of more 'steps' of CPA exposure during the vitrification protocol increases cryosurvival and development in the bovine model. However, such an attempt to eliminate osmotic stress is limited by the practi

SUBMITTER: Lai D 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4262467 | biostudies-literature | 2015 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature