Insulin-transferrin-selenium supplementation improves porcine embryo production in vitro

In vitro production of porcine embryos is a complicated process that includes in vitro maturation (IVM), in vitro fertilization (IVF) and in vitro culture (IVC). Insufficient cytoplasmic maturation, slow zona reaction and improper embryo culture conditions will compromise the efficiency of porcine embryo production in vitro. Previous studies have shown that insulin-transferrin-selenium (ITS) in IVM or IVC medium could improve porcine oocyte maturation, decrease polyspermy fertilization and promote subsequent embryonic development in vitro. However, the effect of ITS both in IVM and IVC media on porcine embryo production in vitro hasn't been elucidated. In this study, we found that 1.0% ITS supplementation in IVM/IVC media promoted the expansion of cumulus cells, raised mitochondrial membrane potential, increased ATP content and reduced ROS level in matured oocytes, improved blastocyst rate and the cell number of blastocyst, simultaneously. In conclusion, the IVM/IVC media supplemented with 1.0% ITS can improve the efficiency of porcine embryo production in vitro.