Method for maintaining embryo transport in mouse oviducts in vitro

Abstract

The transport of embryos in mouse oviducts incubated in vitro was studied for 16 h. Successful embryo transport occurred in oviducts incubated from Day 2 or Day 3 of pregnancy, and the process was dependent on the availability of calcium from the incubation medium. This indicates that this phase of transport is a result of smooth muscle activity. Embryo transport did not occur in oviducts perfused from Day 1 of pregnancy.