Precursors of taurine in female genital tract: Effects on developmental capacity of bovine embryo produced in vitro

Two precursors of taurine have been studied: cysteamine and hypotaurine. Cysteamine has been quantified in genital secretions and found in follicular fluids of all species tested. On the contrary cysteamine was not detected (or traces) in tubal fluids of the same species. Addition of 50, 100 or 250 mu M of cysteamine to the maturation medium used in the culturing of bovine oocytes did not improve the cleavage rate nor the embryo's developmental potential in vitro. Furthermore, at 250 mu M, cysteamine seems to be toxic to the embryo. Addition of 0.5-1 mM hypotaurine to the bovine embryo culture medium improved significantly blastocyst production and quality. The respective roles of these 2 taurine precursors on maturation and embryo development are discussed.