Relationship between the occurrence of apoptosis and disorders in preimplantation embryo environment

Abstract

Increased incidence of apoptosis in preimplantation embryos is considered to be an indicator of inadequate developmental environment and is used as a sensitive marker of embryo quality in both experimental and clinical conditions. This review summarizes data on physiological characteristics of apoptotic cell death in mouse, rabbit, cow and pig preimplantation embryos. Furthermore, it shows how apoptosis incidence can be regulated by various physiological and non-physiological external factors present during various stages of embryonic development in vitro and in vivo.