Amino acids and vitamins prevent culture-induced metabolic perturbations and associated loss of viability of mouse blastocysts

Abstract

Culture of in-vivo-developed mouse blastocysts in a simple culture medium based on a balanced salt solution supplemented with carbohydrates for 3 h significantly perturbed embryo metabolism. Maximal perturbation occurred after just 6 h of culture. Similarly, culture of rat blastocysts in a simple culture medium for 3 h also resulted in perturbed metabolism. Cultured mouse and rat blastocysts both had an abnormally elevated rate of glycolysis of ~100% after culture (P < 0.05). Rates of pyruvate oxidation by mouse blastocysts were also significantly reduced after culture in a simple medium for 6 h (P < 0.01). Furthermore, the developmental competence of mouse blastocysts after transfer was sig..