A contact-free laser system is described for ablation of the embryonic
mouse zona pellucida using a pulsed excimer 308 nm laser. Effects on
further embryonic development were evaluated. Zonae of 8- to 16-cell m
ouse embryos were either lased (n = 189), zona-drilled with acidified
Tyrode's solution (n = 183) or left zona-intact (n = 188). Blastocyst
formation (99-100%) was similar in the three groups. Hatching occurred
earlier in lased embryos compared to those of the control group. Thes
e blastocysts hatched through the laser ablated area. Significantly mo
re embryos were hatching on day 4 in the conventionally drilled group
when compared to the laser treated group (50% versus 24% respectively)
. On day 7 of development, significantly (P < 0.05) more embryos conve
ntionally zona-drilled (37%) were intact than those which were previou
sly laser treated (10%). Abnormal development was also noted in a smal
l group of embryos which were lased just on the outside of the zona in
comparison to 1/3 of an embryonic width away from the zona. The curre
nt results suggest that apparently precise zona laser ablation with an
excimer laser at 308 nm may have potential adverse effects which may
only be manifested after a prolonged period of culture past the cavita
tion stage. However, implantation rates of morphologically normal lase
r abalated embryos were not impaired when compared to control embryos.