Coats of preimplantation mammalian embryos as a target of reproductive technologies

The structure and function of the mammalian oocyte and preimplantation embryo coverings are described in this review. The integrity of embryonic coverings is the main prerequisite for the success of such technology as preimplantation embryo freezing and, especially, for successful rederivation. On the other hand, results of in vitro fertilization and, sometimes, the results of embryo freezing are improved after perforation of the oocyte/embryonic coverings. Modern reproductive technologies focusing on oocyte/embryonic coverings, such as preimplantation embryo freezing/cryopreservation, in vitro fertilization, intracytoplasmic sperm injection, assisted hatching, immunocontraception, and rederivation, are reviewed. Application of these technologies to different mammalian species is discussed with a special emphasis on the oocytes/preimplantation embryos coverings.