Free Standard AU & NZ Shipping For All Book Orders Over $80!
Register      Login
Reproduction, Fertility and Development Reproduction, Fertility and Development Society
Vertebrate reproductive science and technology
Shopping Cart: ( empty )
You are here: Home > Journals > RD > RD09213
RESEARCH ARTICLE
Contents Vol 22(1)

Challenge testing of gametes to enhance their viability

Henrik Callesen
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations

Department of Genetics and Biotechnology, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, Aarhus University, DK-8830 Tjele, Denmark. Email: henrik.callesen@agrsci.dk

Reproduction, Fertility and Development 22(1) 40-46 https://doi.org/10.1071/RD09213
Published: 8 December 2009

Abstract

Embryos, oocytes and spermatozoa undergo several manipulations during the in vitro procedures that are an integral part of assisted reproductive technologies (ART) in mammals. Consequently, some of the gametes are damaged irreparably, whereas others react to these challenges with some sort of survival mechanism that enables them to come through the process. The details of the mechanism remain unknown but, if identified, it could have immense potential as a new way to improve the viability of embryos produced by ART. However, few publications describe systematic ways to challenge test gametes and then to use the results as a basis for improving gamete viability. Furthermore, new methods to monitor the reactions of gametes to such challenge tests are needed. In the present review, these two issues are discussed, as are some of the conditions necessary before a challenge test protocol can be part of future work with ART.

Additional keywords: ART, microfluids, osmotic, pressure, temperature.


References

Abe H., Shiku H., Aoyagi S., Matsue T., and Hoshi H. (2005). Respiration activity of bovine embryos cultured in serum-free and serum-containing media. Reprod. Fertil. Dev. 17, 215. [Abstract] doi:10.1071/RDV17N2AB129

Assou, S. , Haouzi, D. , Mahmoud, K. , Aouacheria, A. , Guillemin, Y. , Pantesco, V. , Rème, T. , Dechaud, H. , De Vos, J. , and Hamamah, S. (2008). A non-invasive test for assessing embryo potential by gene expression profiles of human cumulus cells: a proof of concept study. Mol. Hum. Reprod. 14, 711–719.
| Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | PubMed | CAS | Callesen H., Larsen L. H., Damgaard L. R., Gundersen J. K., Lopes A. S., Greve T., and Ramsing N. B. (2005). Improved embryo selection using embryo respirometry. Hum. Reprod. 20(Suppl. 1), O-203. [Abstract]

Christensen, P. , Boelling, D. , Pedersen, K. M. , Korsgaard, I. R. , and Jensen, J. (2005). Relationship between sperm viability as determined by flow cytometry and nonreturn rate of dairy bulls. J. Androl. 26, 98–106.
| PubMed | Holm P., Vajta G., and Callesen H. (1996). Time-lapse recording of in vitro development of different groups of bovine ova cultured simultaneously on a microscope stage: preliminary results. In ‘Proceedings of the 13th International Congress of Animal Reproduction, Sydney Australia, 30 June–4 July, 1996’. (Ed. G. Evans.) p. 22-7. (University of Sydney: Sydney.) [Abstract]

Holm, P. , Booth, P. J. , and Callesen, H. (2002). Kinetics of early in vitro development of bovine in vivo and in vitro zygotes produced and/or cultured in chemically defined or serum containing media. Reproduction 123, 553–565.
| Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | PubMed | CAS | Løvendahl P., and Jensen J. (1997). Physiological challenge test. In ‘Embryo Transfer, Physiological Challenge Test and Nucleus Breeding With Dairy Cattle’. Report no. 737. (Eds T. Liboriussen, B. Bech Andersen.) pp. 73–106. (Danish Institute of Agricultural Sciences: Foulum.)

Mansouri-Attia, N. , Sandra, O. , Aubert, J. , Degrelle, S. , and Everts, R. E. , et al. (2009). Endometrium as an early sensor of in vitro embryo manipulation technologies. Proc. Natl Acad. Sci. USA 106, 5687–5692.
| Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | PubMed | CAS | Pribenszky C., Molnar M., Horvarth A., Harnos A., and Szenci O. (2006). Hydrostatic pressure induced increase in post-thaw motility of frozen boar spermatozoa. Reprod. Fertil. Dev. 18, 162–163. [Abstract] doi:10.1071/RDV18N2AB109

Pribenszky C., Molnár M., Horvárth A., Kútvölgyi G., Harnos A., Szenci O., Dengg J., and Lederer J. (2007). Improved post-thaw motility, viability, and fertility are achieved by hydrostatic pressure-treated bull semen. Reprod. Fertil. Dev. 19, 181–182. [Abstract] doi:10.1071/RDV19N1AB128

Pribenszky C., Siqueira F. E., Molnár M., Harnos A., and Rumpf R. (2008a). Improved post-warming developmental competence of open pulled straw-vitrified in vitro-produced bovine blastocysts by sublethal hydrostatic pressure pretreatment. Reprod. Fertil. Dev. 20, 125. [Abstract] doi:10.1071/RDV20N1AB89

Pribenszky, C. , Du, Y. , Molnár, M. , Harnos, A. , and Vajta, G. (2008b). Increased stress tolerance of matured pig oocytes after high hydrostatic pressure treatment. Anim. Reprod. Sci. 106, 200–207.
| Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | PubMed | Ramsing N. B., Berntsen J., and Callesen H. (2007). Automated detection of cell division and movement in time-lapse images of developing bovine embryos can improve selection of viable embryos. Fertil. Steril. 88(Suppl. 1), S38. [Abstract] doi:10.1016/J.FERTNSTERT.2007.07.135

Rath D., Freitag K., Niemann H., and Sieg B. (1998). Continuous control of porcine embryo development in vitro. Theriogenology 49, 215. [Abstract] doi:10.1016/S0093-691X(98)90568-4

Rieger, D. (1992). Relationships between energy metabolism and development of early mammalian embryos. Theriogenology 37, 75–93.
| Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | CAS | Scott L., Bernsten J., DeLegge K., Hill N., and Ramsing N. (2007). Respiration measurements of human oocytes correlate with oocyte competence. Fertil. Steril. 88(Suppl. 1), S31–S32. [Abstract] doi:10.1016/J.FERTNSTERT.2007.07.116

Sébert, P. , Simon, B. , and Péqueux, A. (1997). Effects of hydrostatic pressure on energy metabolism and osmoregulation in crab and fish. Comp. Biochem. Physiol. A Physiol. 116, 281–290.
| Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Sørensen, J. G. , Loeschcke, V. , and Kristensen, T. N. (2009). Lessons from the use of genetically modified Drosophila melanogaster in ecological studies: Hsf mutant lines show highly trait-specific performance in field and laboratory thermal assays. Funct. Ecol. 23, 240–247.
| Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Suarez, S. S. (2007). Interactions of spermatozoa with the female reproductive tract: inspiration for assisted reproduction. Reprod. Fertil. Dev. 19, 103–110.
| Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | PubMed | CAS |

Wang, Q. , and Sun, Q.-Y. (2007). Evaluation of oocyte quality: morphological, cellular and molecular predictors. Reprod. Fertil. Dev. 19, 1–12.
| Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | PubMed |

Wemekamp-Kamphuis, H. H. , Karatzas, A. K. , Wouters, J. A. , and Abee, T. (2002). Enhanced levels of cold shock proteins in Listeria monocytogenes LO28 upon exposure to low temperature and high hydrostatic pressure. Appl. Environ. Microbiol. 68, 456–463.
| Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | PubMed | CAS |

Wheeler, M. B. , Walters, E. M. , and Beebe, D. J. (2007). Toward culture of single gametes: The development of microfluidic platforms for assisted reproduction. Theriogenology 68(Suppl. 1), S178–S189.
| Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | PubMed |