Effect of Leukemia Inhibitory Factor (LIF) on the Quality of In Vitro Produced Mouse Blastocysts and Subsequent Derivation of Embryonic Stem (ES) Cells
Ruttachuk Rungsiwiwut DVM*, Sasitorn Rungarunlert DVM*, Pranee Numchaisrika BSc**, Kamthorn Pruksananonda MD**, Mongkol Techakumphu DVM, Doctorate 3e cycle*, Pramuan Virutamasen MD**
Affiliation : * Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Reproduction, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok ** Reproductive Medicine Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok
Objective : To determine the effect of leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) on the quality of in vitro produced mouse
blastocyst and the efficiency of embryonic stem (ES) cell derivation.
Results : Experimental study
Results : Reproductive Medicine Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine,
Chulalongkorn University
Material and Method: In vivo fertilized zygotes were collected and subjected to in vitro culture in potassium
simplex optimized medium (KSOM) containing 1,000 unit/ml LIF. The developmental ability of the zygote to
blastocyst-stage and the cell numbers in blastocysts were evaluated. Expanded blastocysts developed in
different culture media were subsequently subjected to ES cell derivation.
Main Outcome Measure (s): The influence of LIF on the quality of and the total cell numbers of blastocyst
developed in vitro.
Results : Supplementation of LIF in KSOM increased the rate of hatching blastocysts (63.8% vs. 53.7%; p <
0.05) and total cell numbers (91.4 + 15.0 vs. 85.1 + 7.7; p < 0.05) compared to KSOM alone. ES cells were
obtained 66.7% from blastocysts developed in KSOM-LIF versus 41.7% in KSOM (p > 0.05). Established ES
cell lines showed typical colony and characteristics of pluripotent murine ES cells.
Conclusion : LIF improved the quality of in vitro produced blastocysts but not enhanced ES cell derivation.
Keywords : LIF, in vitro, Blastocyst, Embryonic stem cells
