P-35: Vitrification Induced Apoptosis in MiceBlastocysts

Background: Apoptosis is induced by several factors and has an important role in embryonic development. Since vitrification-induced embryonic damages could be resulted from an increase in apoptosis occurrence,the aim of the present study is to investigate the effect of vitrification on induction of apoptosis in blastocysts. Materials and Methods: For this purpose 20 balb-c mice superovulated and blastocysts were obtained by flushing and divided into control and experimental groups. In control group the blastocysts were transferred to DMEM media. 24 hours after the culture, blastocysts were stained with TUNEL technique for apoptosis and propodium iodide for necrosis. The stained blastocystes were studied with fluorescent microscope. In the experimental group, the blastocysts after collection were vitrified and kept in liquid nitrogen for one month. After thawing, the blastocysts were treated as in control group and then compared with eachother. Results: According to the method of study the apoptotic cells had a green fluorescence and nonapoptotic cells had red fluorescence. The result showed the apoptotic index in control and experimental group was 8.72 ± 57 vs 10.72± 87 respectively. There was not a significant difference regarding the number of apoptotic cells in control and experimental group. Conclusion: According to the results it appears that vitrification - induced embryonic damages is not mediated by apoptosis.