The parthenogenetic development of porcine in vitro matured oocytes vitrified before or after electric activation.

　　BACKGROUND: The highly efficient production of parthenogenetic embryos from vitrified porcine in vitro matured oocytes has become essential for biotechnology and biomedicine research.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the survival and parthenogenetic development of oocytes vitrified before or after electric activation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: The vitrified oocytes were parthenogenetically activated at 0, 0.5, 1, 2 and 4 h post warming (h.p.w.), and fresh oocytes were vitrified at 0, 0.5, 1, 2 and 4 h post electric activation (h.p.a.).

RESULTS: In comparison with non-vitrified oocytes, the rates of survival and activation of oocytes vitrified at 0.5, 1, 2 and 4 h.p.a. were similar, but the parameters in other vitrified groups significantly decreased. Parthenogenetic development in vitrified 0.5, 1, 2 and 4 h.p.a. groups was also significantly higher than that in other vitrified groups. Moreover, the total cell numbers of blastocysts were similar among all groups.

CONCLUSION: Porcine oocytes vitrified at 0.5-4 h h.p.a. showed acceptable survival and pronuclear formation, and a higher blastocyst yield could be obtained from these oocytes.