Improved in vitro developmental rates of cloned sheep embryos by Trichostatin A supplementation of embryo culture media

Animal cloning is one of the latest and most fascinating modern biotechnological technique with potential applications in biomedical and agricultural fields which include creation of disease models and bioreactors, propagation of elite germplasm of animals, conservation of endangered animal species and for studying early embryonic development. The efficiency of in vitro embryo development is usually low. Various modifications in cloning techniques and composition of embryo culture media have been made with an aim to increase in vitro developmental rates of cloned embryos. Certain supplementations and additions to in vitro maturation media and embryo culture media can potentially increase the efficiency of animal cloning, Trichostatin A being one of such supplements. This study was carried out to evaluate the effect of Trichostatin A supplementation (100nm/ml) in IVC media on in vitro development of cloned sheep embryos. It was observed that TSA significantly (P<0.05) improved cleavage percentage (79.25% v 68.18%). Morula/Blastocyst percentages also were significantly (P<0.05) higher in TSA supplemented IVC medium (56.25% v 48.21%).