Effect of essential amino acids on mouse embryo viability and ammonium production

Abstract

PURPOSE: To examine the effect of essential amino acids concentrations on mouse embryo development. METHODS: Mouse embryos were cultured in medium with different concentrations of essential amino acids and development to the blastocyst stage and viability assessed. Ammonium production resulting from medium breakdown and amino acid metabolism by embryos were also assessed. RESULTS: Reducing the essential amino acid concentration significantly increased blastocyst development and cell numbers. Lowering the essential amino acid concentration decreased ammonium production in the medium. CONCLUSIONS: Culture media for the development of preimplantation embryos should have a reduced essential amin..