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Effect of ICSI and embryo biopsy on embryo development and apoptosis according to oocyte diameter in prepubertal goats.

Jimenez-Macedo AR, Paramio MT, Anguita B, Morato R, Romaguera R, Mogas T, Izquierdo D

Departament de Ciència Animal i dels Aliments, Facultat de Veterinària, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra 08193, Barcelona, Spain.

ICSI and embryo biopsy are routine methods used for assisted reproduction. However, their impact on embryo quality is still poor studied. Moreover, oocyte size is also a crucial factor for blastocyst production. In this study effect of oocyte size, ICSI and embryo biopsy was assessed in terms of incidence of apoptosis and blastocyst development. IVM-oocytes from prepubertal goats were fertilized by ICSI or IVF. Embryos obtained were divided depending on oocyte size, biopsied at day-4 post-insemination/injection and cultured for additional 4-5 days. Apoptotic cell number was assessed by TUNEL staining in day-4 embryos and blastocysts obtained. In each diameter group, ICSI did not affect embryo development, blastocyst cell number and embryo apoptotic grade in comparison to IVF. Embryo biopsy did not affect blastocyst rate and apoptotic cell number, but decreased blastocyst cell number (P=0.0018). Moreover, there was a negative relationship between blastocyst cell number and apoptotic grade (P<0.05). In conclusion, ICSI and embryo biopsy do not have negative effect on embryo quality and development. However, oocyte size has a positive relationship on blastocyst yield and quality.

Published 23 April 2007 in Theriogenology, 67(8): 1399-408.
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