Differences in developmental competence and gene expression profiles between buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) preimplantation embryos cultured in three different embryo culture media
The objective of this study was to compare effects of in vitro culture systems on embryonic development and expression patterns of developmentally important genes in preimplantation buffalo embryos. After IVM/IVF presumptive zygotes were cultured in one of three systems: undefined TCM 199, mCR2aa medium supplemented with 10 FBS and defined PVA myo inositol phosphate EGF medium. No (P 0.05) differences at 2 cell, 4 cell and 8 cell to 16 cell stages were observed among the three cultured media used, however, increased (P 0.05) blastocyst yield, cell number and hatching rate were found in defined medium compared to undefined media. The expression patterns of genes implicated in embryo metabolism (GLUT 1) anti apoptosis (BCL 2) imprinting (IGF 2R) DNA methylation (DNMT 3A) and maternal recognition of pregnancy (IFNT) were increased (P 0.05) in hatched blastocysts derived from defined medium compared to undefined media. In conclusion, serum free, defined medium improved developmental competence of in vitro cultured buffalo embryos. Whether these differences in morphological development and gene expression have long term effects on buffalo calves born after embryo transfer remains unknown. However, it is possible that early adaptations of the preimplantation embryo to its environment persist during fetal and post natal development.
Cytotechnology