The number of cells in a preimplantation embryo is directly correlated to the health and viability of the embryo. There are currently no methods to count the number of cells in late-stage preimplantation embryos noninvasively. We assessed the ability of optical quadrature microscopy (OQM) to count the number of cells in mouse preimplantation embryos noninvasively. First, to test for possible li...

we have produced a spectrum of limb defects in developing mouse embryos by exposing the mother to smoke from cigarettes with different nicotine concentrations, ethanol, and a combination of ethanol and cigarette smoke. the critical time of exposure was determined to be during day 10 of gestation (vaginal plug=day 0). this time is prior to the critical events which occur between the apical ectod...

background: successful embryo transfer (et) technique is a fateful step of all efforts to achieve live births from in vitro produced embryos in assisted reproductive techniques or in knockout, transgenic or cloned animal projects. small reproductive tract of mice and limitation of current techniques may not well satisfy the requirements for mass production of genetically modified mice. genetic ...

Mitochondria, cellular organelles playing essential roles in eukaryotic cell metabolism, are thought to have evolved from bacteria. The organization of mtDNA is remarkably uniform across species, reflecting its vital and conserved role in oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS). Our objectives were to evaluate the compatibility of xenogeneic mitochondria in the development of preimplantation embryos...

Background: While it is possible to routinely cryopreserve embryos from several mammalian species, the cryopreservation of embryos has largely been limited by their high sensitivity to chilling injury. Many factors such as the stage of embryonic development, cryoprotectant toxicity, the composition of the vitrification solution and cooling and warming rates can influence survival of embryos aft...