X-Message-Number: 30831 Date: Wed, 25 Jun 2008 16:06:45 -0700 (PDT) From: Subject: 20% EG + 20% DMSO tops in one test [This result can not be generalized to organ systems, due to the requirement for prolonged incubation due to slow permeation of whole organs. Prolonged incubation is known to greatly increase the toxicity of most cryoprotectants typically used in vitrification solutions. Which solution is least toxic can thus depend on the incubation time. Currently this prolonged incubation time is the major limiting factor preventing excellent results with small cell samples, from being generalized to large samples.] Reprod Fertil Dev. 2008;20(4):490-6. Effect of type of cryoprotectant on morphology and developmental competence of in vitro-matured buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) oocytes subjected to slow freezing or vitrification. Gautam SK, Verma V, Palta P, Chauhan MS, Manik RS. Animal Biotechnology Centre, National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal 132 001, India. The present study examined the effects of different cryoprotectants on morphology and developmental competence of in vitro-matured buffalo oocytes after slow freezing or vitrification. After slow freezing in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), ethylene glycol (EG) or 1,2-propanediol (PROH), at 1.0 or 1.5 m each, the proportion of morphologically normal oocytes recovered was significantly higher (P < 0.05) with 1.5 than 1.0 m for all cryoprotectants and was highest (P < 0.05) for 1.5 m DMSO. Following vitrification, the percentage of morphologically normal oocytes recovered was lower (P < 0.01) for 40% EG than for 40% DMSO, 20% EG + 20% DMSO or 20% EG + 20% PROH. The most common damage, irrespective of the cryopreservation method, was loss of cumulus mass. The cleavage rate and the proportion of vitrified-warmed oocytes that developed to morulae/blastocysts were significantly higher (P < 0.01) for 20% EG + 20% DMSO than for the other groups. A higher proportion of oocytes developed to morulae (11.5% v. 4.3%) or blastocysts (5.4% v. 0.6%) after vitrification in 20% EG + 20% DMSO than after slow freezing in 1.5 m DMSO. In conclusion, vitrification was more effective than slow freezing for the cryopreservation of in vitro-matured buffalo oocytes. PMID: 18462611 Rate This Message: http://www.cryonet.org/cgi-bin/rate.cgi?msg=30831