Developmental and Molecular Response of Bovine Embryos to Reduced Nutrients

Overview

Journal Reprod Fertil

Specialty Reproductive Medicine

Date 2022 Feb 7

PMID 35128423

Authors

Jason R Herrick

Sandeep Rajput

Rolando Pasquariello

Alison Ermisch

Nicolas Santiquet

William B Schoolcraft

Rebecca L Krisher

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Lay Summary: To support early embryo development in the first week after fertilisation, an appropriate mixture of nutrients (carbohydrates, amino acids, and vitamins) is needed in the culturing solution. However, refining these solutions to support optimal embryo health remains challenging. In this study, bovine (cow) embryos derived from abattoir material were used as a model for the development of other mammalian embryos, including humans. These embryos were cultured in the presence of 75, 50, 25, 12.5, or 6.25% of the nutrients present in control conditions (100%), which are similar to those reported for the fluids of the fallopian tubes and uterus. Embryo development was largely unaffected in the 75, 50, and 25% treatments, with some embryos developing in the presence of only 6.25% nutrients. Cow embryos are remarkably resilient to reduced concentrations of nutrients in their environment because they can utilize internal stores of fat as a source of energy.

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