Impact of L-carnitine supplementation on the in vitro developmental competence and cryotolerance of buffalo embryos

Research (Published online: 26-12-2021)

14. Impact of L-carnitine supplementation on the in vitro developmental competence and cryotolerance of buffalo embryos

Mohamed M. M. El-Sokary, Al-Shimaa Al-H. H. El-Naby, Amal R. Abd El Hameed, Karima Gh. M. Mahmoud and T. H. Scholkamy

Veterinary World, 14(12): 3164-3169

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Despite many trials, buffalo embryos have poor cryosurvivability because of their high lipid content. L-carnitine was found to be a lipid-reducing agent when added to oocyte and embryo culture media. The study aimed to determine the most effective concentration of L-carnitine to improve the oocyte developmental competence and cryotolerance of buffalo embryos.

Materials and Methods: In vitro maturation and embryo culture media were supplemented with four concentrations of L-carnitine: 0 (control), 0.25, 0.5, and 1 mM. Good-quality embryos on 7 days were vitrified using mixtures of dimethyl sulfoxide and ethylene glycol at two concentrations (3.5 and 7 M).

Results: The result showed that the cleavage and morula rates were significantly (p<0.05) higher in the 0.5 mM group. Blastocyst rates were significantly (p<0.05) higher at both 0.5 and 1 mM. The rates of viable embryos directly after thawing were significantly (p<0.05) increased in the 0.5 mM group. No significant difference was found in embryos cultured for 24 h after warming among all the groups.

Conclusion: The addition of L-carnitine at a concentration of 0.5 mM to the culture media improves the oocyte developmental competence and cryotolerance of buffalo embryos directly after warming but not after 24 h of culture. Nevertheless, further studies must identify how L-carnitine exerts its beneficial micromechanisms.

Keywords: antioxidant, buffalo embryos, cryotolerance, L-carnitine.