PROSTAGLANDINSLEUKOTRIENES ANDESSENTLALFATTYACIDS The Influence of Indomethacin on the Hatching of Mouse Blastocysts

In order to investigate the effect of indomethacin for inhibition of the cyclooxygenase pathway on the hatching process of mouse blastocysts, 508 mouse blastocysts were cultured in modified HAM FlO medium containing 0,8, 79 or 788 PM indomethacin, added after 24 h of incubation. Hatching was scored after 72 h of incubation. In another series of experiments, indomethacin was added only after blastulation had occurred. Indomethacin in doses of 8 FM and 79 PM, added after 24 h of incubation or after blastulation had occurred, did not influence successful hatching. A dose of 788 FM indomethacin interfered with hatching, but this dose appeared to be toxic for the embryo. INTRODUCTION