Preimplantation development directs the formation of an implantation- or attachment-competent embryo so that metabolic interactions with the uterus can occur, pregnancy can be initiated, and fetal development can be sustained. The preimplantation embryo exhibits a form of autonomous development fueled by products provided by the oocyte and also from activation of the embryo's genome. Despite th...

UNLABELLED BACKGROUNDS Previous studies suggested that endocrine disruptors (ED) are toxic on preimplantation embryos and inhibit development of embryos in vitro culture. However, information about the toxicity of endocrine disruptors on preimplantation development of embryo in human reproductive environment is lacking. METHODS Bisphenol A (BPA) and Aroclor 1254 (polychlorinated biphenyls)...

To further optimize the culturing of preimplantation embryos, we undertook metabolomic analysis of relevant culture media using capillary electrophoresis time-of-flight mass spectrometry (CE-TOFMS). We detected 28 metabolites: 23 embryo-excreted metabolites including 16 amino acids and 5 media-derived metabolites (e.g., octanoate, a medium-chain fatty acid (MCFA)). Due to the lack of informatio...

background:   objective: the objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of rabbit antiserum to es cells on mouse preimplantation embryo development and chimera production.   materials and methods: mouse 4-cell embryos were matured in vitro at 37.5 o c, in humidified 5% co 2 atmosphere for 12-36 h. the embryos were cultured in ksom medium with or without antiserum for 12-36 h. the ratios...

Paraquat can cause oxidative stress through redox cycling, and preimplantation embryos are sensitive to oxidative stress in vitro. In this study, the effects of paraquat on preimplantation embryo development were examined. Exposure of preimplantation embryos (collected on the day after ovulation) to paraquat in vitro for 24 h at concentrations as low as 8 microM caused a significant decrease in...

BACKGROUND Preimplantation development is a crucial step in early human development. However, the molecular basis of human preimplantation development is not well known. METHODOLOGY By applying microarray on 397 human oocytes and embryos at six developmental stages, we studied the transcription dynamics during human preimplantation development. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS We found that the preimplan...

Preimplantation embryo development follows a series of critical events. Remarkable epigenetic modifications and reprogramming of gene expression occur to activate the embryonic genome. In the early stages of preimplantation embryo development, maternal mRNAs direct embryonic development. Throughout early embryonic development, a differential methylation pattern is maintained although some show ...

Preimplantation development of the mammalian embryo consists of stages that include formation of the zygote, blastocyst formation and implantation of the embryo into the uterus. Depending on the animal, first few cleavages of the early embryo is fully supported by translation of maternal transcripts and use of maternal proteins. After this period, the preimplantation embryo starts to transcribe...

Preimplantation embryo development involves four stages: fertilization, cell cleavage, morula and blastocyst formation. During these stages, maternal and zygotic epigenetic factors play crucial roles. The gene expression profile is changed dramatically, chromatin is modified and core histone elements undergo significant changes. Each preimplantation embryo stage has its own characteristic epige...

The last three decades have seen considerable progress in the development of culture media for ART and infertility treatment. Basic research on the metabolism of mammalian preimplantation embryos demonstrated the specific needs in the evolving stage of the embryo growing in vitro. Two different philosophies led to two different culture strategies for human preimplantation embryos: the 'back-to-...