Effect of Different Concentrations of Leukemia Inhibitory Factor on Mouse Embryo Development: A Preliminary Result

Objective. To assess the influence of different concentrations of recombinant human leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) on mouse embryo development. Methods. All 2-4 cell embryos obtained from ICR mice were cultured in human tubal fluid media containing different concentrations of LIE. Mouse embryos were then divided into 6 groups according to the amount of LIF added: 1) 2500 IU/ml LIF; 2) 2000 IU/ml LIF; 3) 1500 IU/ml LIF; 4) 1000 IU/ml LIF; 5) 500 IU/ml LIF; 6) HTF. The embryonic development at different stages in each group was then recorded. Results the percentage of early embryo stage development in all groups was similar. However, higher formation rates of pre-implantation embryos were found in groups 1,2,3,4 and 5. Conclusions. LIF has positive effects on pre-implantation embryo development and produces no significant influence upon early embryo development. Therefore, the concentration of 500 IU/ml LIF could provide for optimal embryogenesis.