Mouse Superovulation Protocol
Introduction
Superovulation in female mice is a technique where administration of gonadotropins is used to artificially induce ovulation of large numbers of oocytes at a predictable time. This results in an increased number of fertilized embryos available to harvest for use in applications such as transgenic mouse production and mouse strain rederivation and/or cryopreservation.
As many of our customers are using our PMSG + hCG hormones for mouse superovulation, we present to you the mouse superovulation protocol below.
Gonadotropin Hormones
The superovulation protocol requires the use of the following gonadotropin hormones:
Pregnant Mare Serum Gonadotropin (PMSG):
Used to mimic the oocyte maturation effect of the endogenous follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH).
Ilex Life Sciences, Cat. No. A22721K (1000 IU)
Ilex Life Sciences, Cat. No. A22725K (5000 IU)
Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG):
Used to mimic the ovulation induction effect of luteinizing hormone (LH).
Ilex Life Sciences, Cat. No. A225005 (5 mg)
Ilex Life Sciences, Cat. No. A225010 (10 mg)
Protocol
Preliminary dose response injections are recommended to determine the optimum hormone dose and mouse age for each mouse strain. In most cases, best results are achieved with mice ages 21-35 days (12-14 gram body weight) receiving a 2.0 - 5.0 IU dose of each gonadotropin.
Day 1: Intraperitoneally (IP) inject female mice with PMSG between 1:00 PM and 4:00 PM. The female mice should be housed five or fewer in each cage.
Day 3: After 42-50 hours have passed since PMSG injection, female mice should receive an IP injection of hCG. Immediately following hCG injection, the female mouse should be mated with the stud male of at least 8 weeks of age. The male mice should be caged individually and one female should be placed with each male.
Day 4: Approximately 12 hours following hCG injection, ovulation will occur and the oocytes may then be fertilized.
Acknowledgement
This protocol has been adapted from The Jackson Laboratory's Reproductive Services Superovulation Technique (July 01, 1998).
Disclaimer
This protocol has been provided for educational purposes only. Ilex Life Sciences products are intended for research use by qualified laboratory professionals only. It is up to each researcher to follow proper laboratory safety practices and to determine protocols to achieve best results. Ilex Life Sciences and its representatives are not liable for any claims or damages arising out of the use of the information presented.