Vitrification of mice embryos in different developmental stages using four vitrification methods

Abstract

The aim of our study was to test four vitrification methods for preservation of mice embryos, in different developmental stages, using 6 mol/l glycerol and 20% sucrose as vitrification media. Morula stage embryos were vitrified with OPS straws or classic straws using two equilibration steps, with a hatching rate of 50% and 47.62% respectively. Blastocyst stage embryos survived better in 0.25 ml straws with three equilibration steps, 36.84% hatching rate. Two-cell embryos are sensitive to freezing, but satisfactory results could be obtained with OPS vitrifcation, hatching rates of 22.73%. The success of the vitrification technique depends on the developmental stage of the embryo and the method used.