Metabolism of the viable mammalian embryo: Quietness revisited

Henry J. Leese*, Christoph G. Baumann, Daniel R. Brison, Tom G. McEvoy, Roger G. Sturmey

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

211 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

This review examines the 'Quiet Embryo Hypothesis' which proposes that viable preimplantation embryos operate at metabolite or nutrient turnover rates distributed within lower ranges than those of their less viable counterparts. The 'quieter' metabolism consistent with this hypothesis is considered in terms of (i) 'functional' quietness; the contrasting levels of intrinsic metabolic activity in different cell types as a consequence of their specialized functions, (ii) inter-individual embryo/cell differences in metabolism and (iii) loss of quietness in response to environmental stress. Data are reviewed which indicate that gametes and early embryos function in vivo at a lower temperature than core body temperature, which could encourage the expression of a quiet metabolism. We call for research to determine the optimum temperature for mammalian gamete/embryo culture. The review concludes by examining the key role of reactive oxygen species, which can induce molecular damage, trigger a cellular stress response and lead to a loss of quietness.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)667-672
Number of pages6
JournalMolecular Human Reproduction
Volume14
Issue number12
DOIs
Publication statusPrint publication - 1 Dec 2008

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