Effect of in vitro embryo culture and embryo transfer on global expression profiling of the fetal lung tissue in mice. Mus musculus

The aim of the present study was to test whether or not redox balance and global gene expression in the lung tissue is altered in fetuses (18 d.p.c.) obtained through the transfer of blastocysts exposed to ambient oxygen levels. The results provide new information demonstrating that embryonic stress imposed at pre-implantation stages of development through ovarian stimulation and/or culture at atmospheric concentrations of oxygen is associated with delayed lung development, increased oxidative stress and dysregulation of several genes involved in various developmental, metabolic and immune regulatory pathways. Grant Number: TUBITAK-112O259 Grantee Name: Levent Karagenc Overall design: Two experimental groups and one control group were included in the study. Fetuses comprising one of the experimental groups were generated through the transfer of in vitro-derived blastocysts to pseudo-pregnant female mice (EGin vitro). Fetuses comprising the second experimental group were generated through the transfer of in vivo-derived blastocysts to pseudo-pregnant female mice (EGin vivo). In vivo-developed fetuses obtained from naturally ovulating females served as the control group (CG). In all groups, lung development, redox balance and global gene expression of the lung tissue were determined in fetuses obtained on day18 of gestation.