Mouse embryo growth in different culture media: selection of a medium for quality control cross-testing of human in vitro fertilization conditions.

A total of 2070 two-cell mouse embryos were recovered from 89 superovulated female hybrid mice. Six different culture media were tested. The various media supported mouse embryo development as follows (percentage mean +/- SD, n = 10): Hopp and Pitts medium (H&P) 87 +/- 5 Dulbecco's modified; Eagle's medium supplemented with 10% (volume/volume, v/v) fetal bovine serum (DMEM) 80 +/- 4; Ham's F-10 +/- 15.0% (v/v) human fetal cord serum (hFCS) 79 +/- 3; Whittingham's T-6 medium (WT-6) 60 +/- 4; Ham's F-10 +/- 7.5% (v/v) hFCS 55 +/- 5; Krebs-Ringer low bicarbonate buffer (KRLBB) 42 +/- 6. In H&P, DMEM, WT-6, and Ham's F-10 medium supplemented with hFCS, the pH was maintained within a narrow range of 7.30-7.45 and adequate level of oxygenation was achieved during 72 h in culture. KRLBB had poor buffering capacity and attained ineffective levels of oxygenation during culture. Superior mouse embryo development from two-cells to morulae and hollow blastocysts occurred in H&P, Ham's F-10 + 15% hFCS, and DMEM. Ham's F-10 medium supplemented with hFCS is routinely checked for its ability to support mouse two-cell embryo development to morulae and blastocysts. This is done in conjunction with H&P medium as the control.