Generation of viable embryos and embryonic stem cell-like cells from cultured primary follicles in mice.

Primary follicles retrieved from B6CBAF1 prepubertal mice were cultured in a stepwise manner in an alpha-minimum essential medium-based medium to generate viable embryos and embryonic stem cell (ESC)-like cells. A significant increase in follicle growth and oocyte maturation accompanied by increased secretion of 17beta-estradiol and progesterone was achieved by exposing primary follicles to 100 or 200 mIU of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) during culture. More oocytes developed into blastocysts following in vitro fertilization (IVF) or parthenogenetic activation after culture with 200 mIU of FSH during the entire culture period than with 100 mIU.

Improved germline transmission in chicken chimeras produced by transplantation of gonadal primordial germ cells into recipient embryos.

In the avian species, germline chimera production could be possible by transfer of donor germ cells into the blood vessel of recipient embryos. This study was conducted to establish an efficient transfer system of chicken gonadal primordial germ cells (gPGCs) for producing the chimeras having a high capacity of germline transmission. Gonadal PGCs retrieved from 5.