Dissolved oxygen concentration in culture medium: Assumptions and pitfalls

Newby, D., Marks, L. and Lyall, F. (2005) Dissolved oxygen concentration in culture medium: Assumptions and pitfalls. Placenta, 26(4), pp. 353-357. (doi: 10.1016/j.placenta.2004.07.002) (PMID:15823622)

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Abstract

Oxygen is a key factor in the regulation of cytotrophoblast differentiation, proliferation and invasion in early pregnancy. Abnormalities in oxygen concentration have also been linked to a number of pregnancy disorders. Cell culture models have been used to study the effect of oxygen on cytotrophoblast behaviour in vitro, however, there is often little or no validation of oxygen levels in these cell culture systems. In this study, dissolved oxygen levels in culture medium maintained in standard culture conditions (18% O2) measured 18%. On transfer to a low oxygen environment (2% O2), oxygen levels decreased to 6–8% after 4 h and reached 2% only after 24 h in culture. Culture medium pre-gassed with nitrogen to remove dissolved oxygen quickly absorbed oxygen when exposed to ambient air during dispensing and required further incubation in a 2% oxygen environment before dissolved oxygen levels equilibrated to 2%. Thus, cultured cells placed in a low oxygen environment would be exposed to varying levels of oxygen before the desired level of oxygen exposure is reached. This study highlights the importance of validation of oxygen levels and potential problems associated with in vitro studies on the regulatory effects of oxygen.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Marks, Dr Leah and Lyall, Professor Fiona
Authors: Newby, D., Marks, L., and Lyall, F.
College/School:College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Medicine, Dentistry & Nursing > Clinical Specialities
College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Medicine, Dentistry & Nursing
Journal Name:Placenta
Publisher:Elsevier
ISSN:0143-4004
ISSN (Online):1532-3102
Published Online:25 August 2004

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