Stimulation of early embryonic development in the sheep by co-culture with oviduct epithelial cells

摘要: To examine the effects of somatic cell support on cleavage and viability fertilized sheep eggs, 434 pronucleate eggs were co-cultured for 3 or 6 days oviduct cells fibroblasts 77 cultured in medium alone. During first culture 95% single-celled cleaved regularly to non-compacted morulae either feeder-layers but only 13% underwent similar regular Despite identical rates co-culture groups, 33% embryos grown as compared with 80% fully viable judged by their ability develop normally after transfer recipient animals. The group was equal that obtained direct from donor sheep. After 42% developed into expanded blastocysts 4.5% fibroblasts. In both groups virtually all remaining blocked during 4th cleavage. When transferred, 30% stage viable. We conclude that: (1) fertilization will progress at a normal rate different appear be required acquisition full embryonic viability.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)