Thermal properties of rhinoceros ovum pick-up probes: possible effects of temperature shock on oocyte maturation potential.
Year: 2024
Type: article
Abstract: BACKGROUND: ). However, in vitro embryo production has proved challenging. Transrectal ovum pick-up (OPU), while done successfully with custom-made aspiration probes (AP), may expose oocytes to detrimental temperature shock. OBJECTIVE: ). METHODS: The initial PVC plastic AP, produced using a computer numerical control machine, was compared to a modified aluminium AP. A rhinoceros model was constructed using a 210 L water container fitted with heating elements and a water pump. Water was warmed to 37.5-38.5 ℃ to simulate rhinoceros body temperature. The AP was equilibrated to room temperature (22 ℃; simulating summer) or in a walk-in fridge (4 ℃; simulating winter) overnight. Temperature loggers were placed inside and on the outside of the AP. RESULTS: The aluminium AP equilibrated to the model water temperature within 15 minutes of submersion in the model, while the temperature of the PVC AP remained significantly lower during the three-hour period. The inside of the PVC AP remained significantly colder compared to outside during both winter and summer (33.23 ± 4.28 ℃ vs. 36.51 ± 2.13 ℃ and 36.04 ± 1.69 ℃ vs. 37.22 ± 0.92 ℃, respectively). There was no significant difference between the inside temperature of the aluminium AP compared to the outside temperature during both the winter and summer simulations (36.75 ± 0.49 ℃ vs. 37.83 ± 0.40 ℃ and 37.86 ± 0.16 ℃ vs. 38.04 ± 0.11 ℃, respectively). CONCLUSION: This research highlights the importance of using material with good thermal properties during assisted reproductive procedures. It also contributes to further advancement during the establishment of a successful in vitro embryo production protocol for rhinoceros in South Africa.
Source: PubMed
DOI: 10.36303/jsava.638
Language: English
Subfield: Agronomy and Crop Science
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W4407945016