Minimally Invasive Embryo Transfer and Embryo Vitrification at the Optimal Embryo Stage in Rabbit Model

Summary

Assisted reproductive techniques (ARTs) are in continuous evaluation to improve outcomes and reduce the associated risks. This manuscript describes a minimally invasive embryo transfer procedure with an efficient cryopreservation protocol that allows the use of rabbits as an ideal animal model of human reproduction.

Abstract

Assisted reproductive techniques (ARTs), such as in vitro embryo culture or embryo cryopreservation, affect natural development patterns with perinatal and postnatal consequences. To ensure the innocuousness of ART applications, studies in animal models are necessary. In addition, as a last step, embryo development studies require evaluation of their capacity to develop full-term healthy offspring. Here, embryo transfer to the uterus is indispensable to perform any ARTs-related experiment.

The rabbit has been used as a model organism to study mammalian reproduction for over a century. In addition to its phylogenetic proximity to the human species and its small size and low maintenance cost, it has important reproductive characteristics such as induced ovulation, a chronology of early embryonic development similar to humans and a short gestation that allow us to study the consequences of ART application easily. Moreover, ARTs (such as intracytoplasmic sperm injection, embryo culture, or cryopreservation) are applied with suitable efficiency in this species.

Using the laparoscopic embryo transfer technique and the cryopreservation protocol presented in this article, we describe 1) how to transfer embryos through an easy, minimally invasive technique and 2) an effective protocol for long-term storage of rabbit embryos to provide time-flexible logistical capacities and the ability to transport the sample. The outcomes obtained after transferring rabbit embryos at different developmental stages indicate that morula is the ideal stage for rabbit embryo recovery and transfer. Thus, an oviductal embryo transfer is required, justifying the surgical procedure. Furthermore, rabbit morulae are successfully vitrified and laparoscopically transferred, proving the effectiveness of the described techniques.

Introduction

With the aims of bypassing human infertility or improving dissemination of livestock of high genetic value and preserving animal genetic resources, a set of techniques collectively termed assisted reproduction technologies, such as superovulation, in vitro fertilization, embryo culture, or cryopreservation, were developed^1,2. Currently, hormonal treatments are given to stimulate the ovaries and produce a large number of antral ovarian follicles¹. Oocytes collected from these follicles can be matured, fertilized, and developed in vitro until they are either cryopreserve....

Protocol

All experimental procedures used in this study were performed in accordance with Directive 2010/63/EU EEC for animal experiments and reviewed and approved by the Ethical Committee for Experimentation with Animals of the Universitat Politècnica de València, Spain (research code: 2015/VSC/PEA/00170). XGD, FMJ, MPVC and JSV holds an authorization certificate issued by the Valencian governmental administration to experiment on animals. XGD is authorized to in situ supervise the welfare and care of the animals during the experiment.

1. Embryo Transfer

1. Preparation of recipient females
   1. Use only sexually mat....

Results

Minimally invasive laparoscopic transfer of fresh or vitrified embryos places the rabbit among the best model animals for reproductive studies. Table 1 shows the results of fresh ET at different developmental stages (Figure 4) of transferred embryos. The survival rate at birth (percentage of embryos resulting in a pup) proved the efficacy of the laparoscopic technique described in this paper. The higher values were achieved when the ET was pe.......

Discussion

Since the first documented live birth case from transferred embryos⁹, this technique and the rabbit species have become crucial in reproductive studies. Besides, embryo research studies involving manipulation, production, cryopreservation, etc. require as a last step the evaluation of embryo capacity to generate healthy full-term offspring. Therefore, embryo transfer technique is indispensable^13,28. Over the years, the surgical me.......

Materials

List of materials used in this article

Name	Company	Catalog Number	Comments
Bovine Serum Albumin (BSA)	VWR	332
Buprenorphine hydrochloride	Alvet Escartí	626	To be ordered by a licensed veterinarian.
Buserelin Acetate	Sigma Aldrich	B3303
Clorhexidine digluconate soap	Alvet Escartí	0265DCCJ500B
Clorhexidine digluconate solution	Alvet Escartí	0265DCCA500B
CO2	Air Liquide	99921	CO2 N48.
CO2 Incubator	Fisher scientific	15385194
Dimethyl Sulfoxide	Sigma Aldrich	W387509
Dulbecco’s phosphate-buffered saline (DPBS)	Sigma Aldrich	D5773	Without calcium chloride.
Electric razor	Oster Golden A5	078005-140-002
Endoscope camera	Optomic Spain S.A	OP-714
Endoscope trocar with silicone leaflet valve	Karl Storz Endoscopia Ibérica S.A.	30114GK	Lightweight trocar model.
Enrofloxacin	Alvet Escartí	9993046	To be ordered by a licensed veterinarian.
Epicraneal needle 23G	Alvet Escartí	514056353	Smaller needles can be also used.
Epidural catheter	Vygon corporate	187.10
Epidural needle	Vygon corporate	187.10
Ethylene Glycol	Sigma Aldrich	102466-M
Eye ointment	Alvet Escartí	5273
Ketamine hydrochloride	Alvet Escartí	184	To be ordered by a licensed veterinarian.
Laparoscopy equipment	Karl Storz Endoscopia Ibérica S.A.	26003 AA	Hopkins® Laparoscope, 0º-mm straight-viewing laparoscope, 30-cm length, 5-mm working channel.
Light source	Optomic Spain S.A	Fibrolux 250
Liquid Nitrogen	Air Liquide	P1505XXX
Mechanical CO2 insufflator	Karl Storz Endoscopia Ibérica S.A.	Endoflator®
Meloxicam	Alvet Escartí	9993501	To be ordered by a licensed veterinarian.
Petri dishes, 35-mm	Sigma Aldrich	CLS430165-500EA
Plastic dressing (Nobecutan)	IBOR medica	7140028
Plastic Straw 0.25 mL	IMV - technologies	6431
Povidone iodide solution	Alvet Escartí	02656DPYS500S
Scissors	ROBOZ	RS-5880	Any regular surgical grade steel small straight scissors will work.
Silicone tube for insufflator	Karl Storz Endoscopia Ibérica S.A.	20400040
Stereomicroscope	Leica	MZ16F	There are cheaper options such as Leica MZ8 or Nikon SMZ-10 or SMZ-2B, to name a few.
Sterile Gloves	Alvet Escartí	087GL010075
Sterile gown	Alvet Escartí	12261501
Sterile mask	Alvet Escartí	058B15924B
Straw Plug	IMV - technologies	6431
Sucrose	Sigma Aldrich	S7903
Syringe, 1-mL	Fisher scientific	11750425
Syringe, 5-mL	Fisher scientific	11773313
Urinary catheter	IMV - technologies	17722
Waterbath	RAYPA	BAE-4
Xylazine	Alvet Escartí	525225	To be ordered by a licensed veterinarian.
Rabbits	Universitat Politècnica de València	Line A	Other maternal lines, such as Line V or Line HP can be used.