Author
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Dobrinsky, John |
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Submitted to: Journal of Reproduction and Fertility
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal Publication Acceptance Date: 5/1/1997 Publication Date: N/A Citation: N/A Interpretive Summary: While methods exist to routinely cryopreserve germplasm and embryos of most livestock species, development of this technology in the swine industry is far behind. Pig embryos suffer from severe sensitivity to hypothermic conditions, which limit their ability to withstand many conventional methods of preservation. Much research has focused on the high lipid content of pig embryos, and its role on hypothermic sensitivity and cryosurvival. Innumerable studies have been reported on the conventional freezing of pig embryos, while vitrification has shown promises of eluding the dangers associated with cooling sensitivity and ice crystallization. Our recent research suggests that the embryonic cytoskeleton is susceptible to damage during cryopreservation, and this cellular disruption may be averted by utilizing cytoskeletal stabilization prior to preservation. Embryos cryopreserved by vitrification under the influence of cytoskeletal stabilization survive at least 2-fold better and have produced live offspring from recipient females after surgical transfer. Although cryopreservation technology is less advanced than in other livestock species, our research suggests that we are closing in on successful methodology to preserve swine embryos. Technical Abstract: With constant changing of global needs for food and animal products, animal agriculture is being pressured to develop economical breeding strategies for maximizing genetic improvement while maintaining genetic diversity. While methods exist to routinely cryopreserve germplasm and embryos of most livestock species, development of this technology in the swine industry is far behind. Pig embryos suffer from severe sensitivity to hypothermic conditions, which limit their ability to withstand many conventional methods of preservation. Much research has focussed on the high lipid content of pig embryos, and its role on hypothermic sensitivity and cryosurvival. Innumerable studies have been reported on the conventional freezing of pig embryos, while vitrification has shown promises of eluding the dangers associated with cooling sensitivity and ice crystallization. Recent research suggests that the embryonic cytoskeleton is susceptible to damage during cryopreservation, and this cellular disruption may be averte by utilizing cytoskeletal stabilizers prior to preservation. Embryos cryopreserved by conventional freezing and vitrification under the influence of cytoskeletal stabilization have produced live offspring from recipient females after surgical transfer. Although cryopreservation technology is less advanced than in other livestock species, our promising research shows compelling evidence that researchers are closing in on successful methodology to preserve swine embryos. |
