Culture and Identification of Myoblasts Isolated from Duck Embryos

Objective] Using embryonic myoblasts to research the formation and developmental mechanisms of skeletal muscle is becoming a research hotspot. This study aimed to establish a method of isolation, culture and identification of myoblasts in duck embryos. Method] Pectoral and leg muscle samples were isolated from the embryos of Gaoyou duck at 13 d of hatching, then disassociated with collagenase and trypsin and purified via differential adhesion. The isolated cells were cultured in vitro and detected for the expression of Pax7 protein using immunofluorescence technique. Result] Myoblasts were obtained successfully both from pectoral and leg muscles in duck embryos and these cells proliferated strongly and differentiated well. Immunofluorescence staining showed that more than 95% cells could express Pax7 protein. Conclusion] In summary, we report the successful establishment of a complete system for the isolation, purification, identification and culture of myoblasts from duck embryos.