Vitrification of mouse oocyte using open pulled straws compared with needles

Abstract

Objective: To compare the survival rate of mouse oocytes and fertilization rate between using open pulled straws (OPS) and needles for vitrification. Material and Method: Meiosis II oocytes from female C57B/6J mice aged 7-8 weeks were collected and allocated to two groups for vitrification by using OPS or needles. Vitrified oocytes were thawed, morphological survival and fertilization rate were examined. Results: There was no obvious difference between the morphological survival rates of vitrified mouse oocytes using OPS and needles (66.7% vs 64.8%). Proportions Difference 1.9% (95%CI -7.1, 10.7). The vitrified oocytes from the needle had significantly higher percentages of fertilization rate than OPS (76.8% vs 62.5%). Proportions Difference -14.3% (95%CI -24.5, -3.6). Conclusion: Vitrification method of mouse oocytes using needles when compared to OPS provides a similar morphological survival rate and higher fertilization rate.