Nicotinamide, a component of complex culture media, inhibits mouse embryo development in vitro and reduces subsequent developmental potential after transfer

Abstract

Objective: To determine the effects of B-group vitamins present in culture media on mouse embryo development in vitro and subsequent viability. Design: Mouse zygotes were cultured in the presence of B-group vitamins. Embryo morphology and cell numbers were determined at 96 and 120 hours after hCG. Viability was assessed by transfer of embryos after 3 days of culture to pseudopregnant recipients. Resultant pregnancy rates (PRs) and fetal weights were determined. Results: Supplementation of an amino acid-free medium with minimal essential medium (MEM) B-group vitamins significantly decreased embryo cleavage rates, whereas the inclusion of Ham's F-10 medium B-group vitamins significantly reduce..