The SPOM-adapted IVM system improves in vitro production of bovine embryos

This study aimed to test the effects of an IVM SPOM adaptation (SPOM-adapted IVM) on the production, total number of cells (TNC), apoptosis, and cryotolerance (post-warming survival and cytoskeleton actin integrity) of bovine IVP embryos. Two experiments were conducted with two experimental groups based on IVM treatment: A control group (TCM 199 without FCS) and an SPOM-adapted group (TCM 199 with forskolin and IBMX in pre-IVM and IVM with cilostamide). The first experiment evaluated embryo in vitro production, TNC, and apoptosis rate on D9 of development. In the second experiment, embryos were vitrified/warmed at D7 (control fresh and vitrified; SPOM-adapted fresh and vitrified) and assessed regarding post-warming survival rates and cytoskeleton actin integrity. Statistical analysis was performed using GraphPad INSTAT software at a significance level of 5%. An increase (p 0.05) in blastocyst production was observed in the SPOM-adapted group comparing to the control group. There was no difference (p 0.05) in the TNC or apoptosis rate between the groups. Regarding cryopreservation, no differences were found (p 0.05) in actin integrity or post-warming survival rates between the vitrified groups. In both vitrified groups, we observed a significantly lower uninjured pattern of actin integrity compared to the fresh groups (p 0.05). We conclude that the SPOM-adapted IVM system is beneficial for blastocyst production and does not affect the quality and cryotolerance of the produced embryos.