Exogenous ascorbic acid enhances vitrification survival of porcine in vitro-developed blastocysts but fails to improve the in vitro embryo production outcomes

• Published in: Theriogenology 2018-06, Vol.113, p.113-119
• Main Authors: Nohalez, A., Martinez, C.A., Parrilla, I., Roca, J., Gil, M.A., Rodriguez-Martinez, H., Martinez, E.A., Cuello, C.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Ascorbic acid; In vitro fertilization; In vitro maturation; Porcine; Vitrification
• ISSN: 0093-691X; 1879-3231; 1879-3231
• DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2018.02.014

In this study, the effects of addition of the antioxidant ascorbic acid (AsA) were evaluated during porcine in vitro embryo production (IVP) and vitrification. In experiment 1, the effects of AsA supplementation during IVM, IVF and IVC were evaluated, using a total of 2744 oocytes in six replicates. The IVM, IVF and embryo IVC media were supplemented or not (control) with 50 μg/mL AsA in all possible combinations. No significant effects of AsA were detected in any of the maturation, fertilization or embryo development parameters assessed. In experiment 2, we evaluated the effects of adding AsA to vitrification-warming media on the post-warming survival and quality of blastocysts. Day-6 in vitro-produced blastocysts (N = 588) from six replicates were randomly divided in two groups, with vitrification and warming media either supplemented with 50 μg/mL AsA (VW + group) or un-supplemented (VW- control). Addition of AsA increased (P