Open AccessFull developmental potential of mammalian preimplantation embryos is maintained after imaging using a spinning-disk confocal microscope
Author(s) -
Pablo J. Ross,
Gloria I. Perez,
Tak Ko,
Myung Sik Yoo,
José B. Cibelli
Publication year - 2006
Publication title -
biotechniques/biotechniques
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.617
H-Index - 131
eISSN - 1940-9818
pISSN - 0736-6205
DOI - 10.2144/000112310
Subject(s) - confocal , confocal microscopy , microbiology and biotechnology , embryo , live cell imaging , biology , phototoxicity , microscope , fluorescence microscope , fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy , biophysics , cell , fluorescence , pathology , in vitro , biochemistry , optics , medicine , physics
Fluorescent live imaging of cells and embryos at subcellular resolution poses significant challenges for biologists due to morbidity and mortality ensuing from phototoxicity. Here we report the use of a spinning-disk confocal microscope to image mouse and bovine preimplantation embryos without impairing their developmental potential. We also present data indicating that this imaging technique does not affect the functionality of subcellular components as assessed by reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, caspase activity, and DNA integrity. Spinning-disk confocal microscopy was also useful in determining cell number and allocation in transgenic bovine blastocysts. We conclude that this imaging method is suitable for monitoring preimplantation embryos.