Mouse embryo cleavage, metabolism and viability: Role of medium composition

Abstract

The cleavage, metabolism and viability of mouse zygotes were assessed after culture in media of different ionic and metabolite composition. Medium with a high potassium concentration, characteristic of mammalian oviduct fluid, inhibited cleavage and blastocyst formation (P < 0.01). This inhibition was partially alleviated by the removal of phosphate, and subsequently abolished by supplementation with amino acids, vitamins, insulin, epidermal growth factor and transferrin (AVIET). Glucose uptake by cultured blastocysts, measured fluorimetrically, was not affected by the ionic or metabolite composition of the medium, but was significantly reduced by the inclusion of AVIET (P < 0.01). Lactate p..