versus : Development-, Apoptosis-, and Implantation- Related Gene Expression in Mouse Blastocyst.

BACKGROUND

While mammalian embryos can adapt to their environments, their sensitivity overshadows their adaptability in suboptimal conditions. Therefore, the environment in which the gametes are fertilized or to which the embryo is exposed can greatly affect the quality of the embryo and consequently its implantation potential.

OBJECTIVES

Since providing an optimal culture condition needs a deep understanding of the environmental effects, and regarding the fact that normal morphology fails to be a reliable indicator of natural embryo development, the current study aimed at comparing - and -derived blastocysts at the molecular level.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

and mouse blastocysts were obtained by flushing the uterine horns and fertilization/culture, respectively. Normal blastocysts of both groups were evaluated in terms of hatching rate and expression of three lineage-differentiation-, apoptosis-, and implantation-related genes.

RESULTS

The hatching rate was lower in fertilization (IVF)-produced blastocysts in comparison with that of the counterparts. More importantly, the study results indicated significant changes in the expression levels of eight out of ten selected genes, especially (about -10.7-fold). The expression of in trophoblast cells is required for successful implantation and trophoblast invasion.

CONCLUSIONS

The current study, in addition to confirming that the altered gene expression pattern of -produced embryos resulted in normal morphology, provided a possible reason for lower implantation rate of -produced blastocysts regarding the expression.