Fundamentals of the Design of Culture Media that Support Human Preimplantation Development

Abstract

Human preimplantation embryos were first cultured from the zygote to the sixteen cell stage by Edwards et al. (1970). Later, human zygotes were cultured in vitro to the blastocyst stage (Steptoe et al., 1971). This pioneering work enabled Steptoe and Edwards (1978) to produce the first test-tube baby (Edwards, 1981). Edwards et al. (1981) summarized the media used in this early work as follows:

“Our experiences with human ova indicate that they tolerate a wide variety of culture media. The most suitable and simple medium for fertilization in vitro is, perhaps, Earle’s solution with the addition of pyruvate (1.1 mg/ml) and inactivated human serum (between 5% and 10%, v/v). The same medium can be used for cleavage, with higher concentrations of serum (15%, v/v), and embryos grown under these conditions will develop to term in the mother (Edwards et al, 1980). Ham’s F10 is unnecessary, although it will similarly sustain the growth of embryos capable of development to term.”