Role of the oviduct and oviduct-derived products in ruminant embryo development

D Rizos,P Lonergan,V Maillo

doi:10.21451/1984-3143-ar863

Abstract

The fact that embryos can be obtained in vitro undermines the role of the oviduct. However, it has been demonstrated that when in vitro produced bovine zygotes are cultured in the oviduct of sheep, cattle or mice the embryo quality is improved compared to the embryos produced in vitro. Thus the oviduct is not simply a passive organ required only for transporting the embryo to the uterus but also provides a suitable microenvironment for the early embryo. The study of physiological mechanisms and interactions between the embryo and the oviductal environment is essential to understand the correct processes of early embryo developmental. This knowledge can be used to improve current in vitro procedures providing high quality embryos capable of continued development and implantation, and resulting in viable births.

Highlights

The fact that embryos can be obtained in vitro undermines the role of the oviduct
Studying the oviductal environment and the signals exchanged between the oviduct and/or the early embryo is crucial to improve our understanding of the underlying regulatory mechanisms controlling embryo development (Aviles et al, 2015)
Cordova et al (2014) used oestrus-metoestrus bovine oviductal epithelial cells (BOEC) for early or late embryo co-culture showing that the presence of the cells during the first four days of development, which correspond to the presence of embryos in the oviduct in vivo, accelerated the kinetics of blastocyst development and induced changes in genes involved in epigenetic control

Summary

Introduction

The fact that embryos can be obtained in vitro undermines the role of the oviduct. it has been demonstrated that when in vitro produced bovine zygotes are cultured in the oviduct of sheep, cattle or mice the embryo quality is improved compared to the embryos produced in vitro. In this review we will discuss the role of the oviductal environment on early embryo development and embryo quality based on evidence from both in vivo and in vitro studies in ruminants.

Results

Conclusion