Ameliorating effect of vitamin e on in vitro development of preimplantation buffalo embryos

Abstract

Purpose: Oxidative stress has been implicated in the etiology of defective embryo development. Vitamin E is an effective lipid-soluble antioxidant, protecting cell membranes from peroxidative damage. In this context, this study was undertaken to find if supplementation of vitamin E in culture medium could ameliorate the developmental competence of preimplantation buffalo embryos. Methods: Vitamin E was supplemented in maturation/embryo culture medium at concentrations of 0, 50, 100, 200 and 400 μM. The developmental competence of buffalo embryos was assessed by observing the cleavage, morulae, blastocyst rate, total cell count and comet assay. Results: Vitamin E had no significant effect in maturation medium. Vitamin E in embryo culture medium under 5% O 2 significantly reduced blastocyst formation in the 400 μM supplemented group. Culture under 20% O2 enhanced the frequency of blastocyst formation, total cell count and significantly reduced comet tail in the 100 μM supplemented group (P∈