Assisted Reproductive Technologies in Murine Models

Assisted reproductive technologies (ART) in murine models encompass a suite of interventions designed to manipulate and optimise mouse and rat fertility for basic research, genetic engineering and biomedical applications. Key procedures include superovulation to induce the release of multiple oocytes, in vitro maturation (IVM) and in vitro fertilisation (IVF) to generate embryos under controlled conditions, and embryo transfer into pseudopregnant recipients to establish pregnancies. Cryopreservation of gametes and embryos enables long-term storage and global distribution of valuable genetic lines. Together, these techniques facilitate precise studies of developmental biology, underpin transgenic and gene-editing programmes and model human reproductive disorders. Advances in hormonal regimens, culture media and surgical or nonsurgical transfer methods continue to improve efficiency, animal welfare and reproducibility, reinforcing the central role of murine ART in both basic science and translational research.

Research from Nature Portfolio

Recent superovulation strategies employing an anti-inhibin monoclonal antibody in rats have demonstrated consistent increases in ovulated oocyte numbers and pregnancy rates across multiple strains. By neutralising inhibin, this approach elevates endogenous follicle-stimulating hormone activity without compromising fertilisation or embryonic development, yielding up to a 1.5-fold gain in litter size and pregnancy success compared with traditional equine chorionic gonadotropin/human chorionic gonadotropin protocols. The method’s reliability across outbred and inbred lines suggests broad applicability for enhancing reproductive performance in rodent models used throughout biomedical research.

Assisted Reproductive Technologies in Murine Models publication trend

The graph below shows the total number of articles in assisted reproductive technologies in murine models across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).

Technical terms

Superovulation: induction of multiple follicle development in a single cycle by hormonal treatment.

In vitro fertilisation (IVF): fertilisation of oocytes by spermatozoa under laboratory conditions outside the animal.

In vitro maturation (IVM): maturation of immature oocytes in a culture medium outside the ovary.

Anti-inhibin monoclonal antibody: an antibody that binds inhibin to enhance follicle-stimulating hormone activity and increase oocyte yield.

Cumulus–oocyte complex (COC): an oocyte surrounded by cumulus cells that support its development and maturation.

References

1. Alterations in gonadotropin, apoptotic and metabolic pathways in granulosa cells warrant superior fertility of the Dummerstorf high fertility mouse line 1. Journal of Ovarian Research (2023).
2. Superovulation with an anti-inhibin monoclonal antibody improves the reproductive performance of rat strains by increasing the pregnancy rate and the litter size. Scientific Reports (2024).
3. The Imitation of the Ovarian Fatty Acid Profile of Superfertile Dummerstorf Mouse Lines during IVM of Control Line Oocytes Could Influence Their Maturation Rates. Biomedicines (2023).