Tetraploidy Induced by Electrofusion - A Review

In vitro tetraploid embryo production has turn into an inestimable means in various research studies for researchers since last few years. The natural tetraploidy stage in embryo is exceptionally reported; hence different techniques have been engaged to bring the tetraploidy experimentally in mammals. There are three fundamental techniques to induce tetraploidy in vitro. First technique is that a nucleus (2n) is fused to a fertilized ovum surgically. Second technique is to double the genome, without cell division; by inhibiting cytokinesis Third technique is to stimulate fusion of 2-cell stage diploid embryos. Electrofusion is one of the most accurate, measurable, repeatable, less toxic and well defined procedure which can be performed with the embryos having the zona pellucida. The tetraploidy status can be assessed after culture the embryo in vitro or shifting the embryo into surrogate mothers. Tetraploidy status of embryos can be determined through different procedures like cytogenetic study, karyotyping, microdensitometry and fuelgen staining. Although, various experiments have been made in laboratories during last few years to induce tetraploid embryonic development but to the limited extent, success rate has been achieved.