Standardization of the assisted reproduction technique embryo transfer in mice (Mus musculus) at CENPALAB
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Abstract
The present study aimed to standardize embryo transfer (ET) protocols under CENPALAB's working conditions. Surgical technique for two-cell embryo transfer into the oviduct, the assessed recipient strain effects (B6D2F1, OF1, and NMRI mice) and recipient age impact were evaluated using gestation percentage and live birth count as success parameters. These results demonstrate that embryo transfer to the oviduct can be successfully performed using either the Whittingham (1968) or Nakagata (1992) surgical techniques. Furthermore, recipient females from B6D2F1, OF1, or NMRI strains showed equivalent efficacy when used at their optimal reproductive age (11-14 weeks). It can be confirmed the embryo transfer protocol was successfully standardized at CENPALAB. This milestone is particularly valuable because it: (i) allows integration into routine mice production, (ii) supports maintenance of reproduction-compromised strains, and (iii) establishes the technical basis for future applications including rederivation processes, in vitro fertilization, and embryo cryopreservation techniques.
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National Center for Animal and Plant Health (CENSA)References
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