Effect of vitrification of mouse oocyte on the behavior of adult offspring

Abstract Objective To evaluate the effect of vitrification of mouse oocytes on the behavior of adult offspring. Study design Oocytes from mice were vitrified, warmed and inseminated, and two-cell embryos were transferred to foster mothers. The behavioral characterization of the offspring was detected by the Morris water maze test, forced swimming test, and elevated plus maze test, and compared to that of offspring from fresh oocytes. Results Offspring produced by vitrified oocytes showed normal motor function. In the Morris water maze test of spatial learning there was a slightly decreased time spent in the quadrant containing the platform relative to mice from fresh oocytes, but the difference did not reach statistical significance. In addition, offspring from vitrified oocytes did not exhibit alterations in emotional behavior. Conclusion No alterations were found in the behavioral characterization of adult offspring from vitrified oocytes compared with those from fresh oocytes.