Introduction: The values of embryonic stem cell and cloning are evident. Production of clone from embryonic stem cell be achieved by introduction of stem cell into a tetraploid blastocyst. Teraploid blastocyst can be produced in vitro by electro – fusion of 2 – cell embryos. The aim of this study was to assess the sffect of different voltage and duration on fusion of 2 – cell embryo and their subsequent development in vitro.
Materials / Methods: Bovine 2 – cell embryos were obtained from in vitro matured and fertilized cumulus oocyte complexes. The 2 – cell were categorized into three groups: 2 – cells fused by exposure to different voltages (0.5, 0.75, 1, 1.25, kV/cm) and durations (20, 40, 60, 80, & 100 ms) call fused group, 2 – call embryos exposed to different voltages and duration but remained unfused called exposed control group (ECG) and embryos culture without exposure to any voltage were called unexposed control group (UCG). Electrofusion was carried out using BLS CF – 150B machine. The embryos from each group were culture in SOF1 and SOF2. The fusion, cleavage and developmental rates were compared in each group.
Results: Increase voltage results in higher fusion rate. The cleavage rate decreased significantly in high voltage group. Increase duration does not significantly increase fusion rate, however in high voltage, increase duration decrease cleavage rate. In low voltage, increased duration increase cleavage rate. Cleavage rate in ECG follow the same trend as in FG. The cleavage rate in FG and ECG is significantly lower than UCG.
Conclusion: Best fusion and cleavage rate was observed in 0.75 - 1kV/cm for 60ms duration.