Is Aspiration of Blastocoelic Fluid Essential to Vitrify Large Equine Embryos?

Historically, cryopreservation of equine embryos>300 μm in diameter resulted in poor pregnancy rates until Choi.et.al.Therio.2011;76:143-152 showed a marked improvement by collapsing the blastocoel cavity prior to vitrification. Subsequently, acceptable pregnancy rates have been reported following puncture of blastocysts and aspiration of 90-95% of t heir blastocoelic fluid prior to vitrification (Diaz.et.al.Therio.2016;85:894-903; Sanchez.et.al.J.EquineVetSci.2017;49:54-59). The present study aimed to determine if aspiration of the blastocoelic fluid from embryos prior to vitrification is essential to post thaw survival.
Source: Journal of Equine Veterinary Science - Category: Veterinary Research Authors: Source Type: research