Research in Medicine

Background : Improvements in "embryo in vitro cultures" provide novel possibilities in the treatment of infertility. To evaluate the quality of culture media, successful development of embryos beyond the growth block phase, is a useful criteria. Coculture is a newly developed technique that could optimize the culture media environment. During the present study we have evaluated the effects of coculture of granulosa cells on mouse one-cell embryo development in vitro.

Materials and methods : One-cell embryos were obtained through super-ovulation by HMG and HCG. Granulosa cells were collected from cumulus mass using hyaluronidase 0.1% and purified by percol method. Harvested one-cell embryos were cultured in Ham's F10 (control) and granulosa cells coculture (case) for 120 hours.

Results : Of harvested embryos in coculture media, 22.4% successfully passed the growth block phase, this figure was significantly lower in the control group (12.8%, p<0.05). Also 11.2% of embryos in the case group and 2.4% of controls developed to blastocyst stage,(p<0.05).

Conclusion : Results have revealed that granulosa coculture system could improve culture conditions for early embryos.