Skip to main content
Log in

Globulins in Protein Supplements Promote the Development of Preimplantation Embryos

  • Published:
Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Purpose: Our purpose was to investigate the effect ofα- and β-globulins contained in protein supplements on the development of preimplantation embryos.

Methods: Mouse one-cell embryos were cultured in medium supplemented with 4 mg/ml human serum albumin (HSA), 4 mg/ml HSA plus human globulins (0.2, 0.4, 0.8, and 1.6mg/ml) that consisted predominantly ofα- and β-globulins, or 10% Plasmanate Cutter (PC). Blastocysts developed in media supplemented with these various protein sources were stained with Hoechst 33342 to determine the number of cells.

Results: Supplementation with 0.4 to 1.6 mg/ml globulins or PC significantly increased the rate of blastocyst development compared with that observed with the addition of HSA. Supplementation with globulins significantly increased the hatching rate in a dose-dependent manner. The number of cells in the blastocysts was significantly increased when the embryos were cultured with 0.8 mg/ml of the globulins or PC.

Conclusions: The present observations suggest that α- and β-globulins in protein supplements promote embryo development and hatching.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

REFERENCES

  1. Kruger TF, Stander FSH, Smith K, et al.: The effect of serum supplementation on the cleavage of human embryos. J Vitro Fert Embryo Transfer 1987;4:10-12

    Google Scholar 

  2. Ogawa T, Marrs RP: The effect of protein supplementation on single-cell mouse embryos in vitro. Fertil Steril 1987;47:156-161

    Google Scholar 

  3. Adler A, Reing AM, Bedford JM, et al.: Plasmanate as a medium supplement for in vitro fertilization. J Assist Reprod Genet 1993;10:67-71

    Google Scholar 

  4. Pool TB, Martin JE: High continuing pregnancy rates after in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer using medium supplemented with a plasma protein fraction containing α-and β-globulins. Fertil Steril 1994;61:714-719

    Google Scholar 

  5. Desai NN, Sheean LA, Martin D, et al.: Clinical experience with synthetic serum substitute as a protein supplement in IVF culture media: A retrospective study. J Assist Reprod Genet 1996;13:23-31

    Google Scholar 

  6. Tucker KE, Hurst BS, Guadagnoli S, et al.: Evaluation of synthetic serum substitute versus serum as protein supplementation for mouse and human embryo culture. J Assist Reprod Genet 1996;13:32-37

    Google Scholar 

  7. Desai N, Kinzer D, Loeb A, et al.: Use of synthetic serum sustitute and α-minimum essential medium for the extended culture of human embryos to the blastocyst stage, Hum Reprod 1997;12:328-335

    Google Scholar 

  8. Kane MT, Headon DR: The role of commercial bovine serum albumin preparations in the culture of one-cell rabbit embryos to blastocysts. J Reprod Fertil 1980;60:469-475

    Google Scholar 

  9. Onohara Y, Harada T, Tanikawa M, et al.: Autocrine effects of transforming growth factor-α on the development of preimplantation mouse embryos. J Assist Reprod Genet 1998; 15:395-402

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Tanikawa, M., Harada, T., Ito, M. et al. Globulins in Protein Supplements Promote the Development of Preimplantation Embryos. J Assist Reprod Genet 16, 555–557 (1999). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1020557422982

Download citation

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1020557422982

Navigation