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[Oocytes in vitro maturation: results and future in humans].

Mature oocytes are rare and highly specialized cells. In vitro maturation of human oocytes is an emerging assisted reproductive technology allowing to produce more mature oocytes without ovarian stimulation. Whereas in vitro maturation is technically more demanding than conventional in vitro fertilization for the laboratory, it carries many potential advantages, for example, in terms of lower treatment heaviness and removal of risk of severe ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome for the patients. Although the technology is still experimental, oocytes in vitro maturation has been successfully used and pregnancies and live births have been reported. Despite these successes, the overall efficiency of in vitro maturation remains low and this procedure must still be improved. The different steps of in vitro maturation process are shown and discussed as well as results in terms of pregnancy and live birth rates.

Cell Culture Techniques↗

Expression of growth factor ligand and their receptor mRNAs in bovine ova during in vitro maturation and after fertilization in vitro.

We analyzed the expression of mRNAs for growth factor [epidermal growth factor (EGF), insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I), basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) and platelet-derived growth factor A chain (PDGF-A)] and their receptor (R) by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction in bovine ova during oocyte maturation in vitro (0-21 hr) and after fertilization in vitro (6-144 hr: zygotes to blastocysts). Transcripts for EGF were not found before fertilization. Transcripts for IGF-I were present in immature oocytes immediately after collection and in embryos from the 2-cell stage onward. Transcripts for bFGF were present in all stages of oocyte maturation and after fertilization up to the 16-cell stage. Transcripts for PDGF-A were present in all stages of oocyte maturation and after fertilization up to the 2-cell stage. Transcripts for ErbB3 (a member of the EGF-R subfamily), and bFGF-R were present in all stages of oocyte maturation, after fertilization up to the 2-cell stage, and the blastocyst stage. Transcripts for IGF-I-R and PDGF-Ralpha were present in all stages of oocyte maturation and embryo development. The results of this study showed that eight different messages for growth factor and their receptor were detectable in bovine ova during oocyte maturation and/or after fertilization in vitro and their expression patterns were the gene-specific rather than the developmental stage of bovine ova.

Animals↗

Intracytoplasmic sperm injection of in vitro-matured equine oocytes.

Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) was performed on equine oocytes matured in vitro. The oocytes were aspirated from abattoir ovaries and matured in vitro for 36 h at 38 degrees C. ICSI was performed using frozen/thawed stallion semen after swimup in medium containing human serum albumin. Sperm-injected oocytes were either 1) cultured in vitro for 10, 20, or 72 h; 2) transferred to oviducts of pseudopregnant mice; or 3) transferred to a synchronized mare after initial in vitro culture. The transferred ova were recovered after 72 h, and all ova were subsequently fixed, stained, and processed for light and transmission electron microscopy. Single pronucleus formation was observed in 2 out of 12 presumptive zygotes 10 h postinjection, at which time abundant cortical granules were observed in the subplasmalemmal region. Twenty hours postinjection, however, 2 pronuclei were observed in 6 of 12 injected oocytes (fertilization rate 50%), and almost all cortical granules were released. The cleavage rate in vitro was 16% after 72 h in culture, and the most advanced embryo stages obtained were 6- to 8-cell embryos. The cleavage rate in vivo was very low since only 1 of 10 recovered had cleaved to the 2-cell stage. Thus, in conclusion, ICSI fertilization of equine oocytes did result in fertilization, pronucleus formation, and cortical granule release. However, the observed fertilization rate and oocyte activation was not paralleled by substantial cleavage of the zygotes.

Animals↗

Energy status of nonmatured and in vitro-matured domestic cat oocytes and of different stages of in vitro-produced embryos: enzymatic removal of the zona pellucida increases adenosine triphosphate content and total cell number of blastocysts.

In this study, we evaluated the adenosine triphosphate (ATP) content of individual domestic cat oocytes before and after in vitro maturation and of different stages of in vitro-produced embryos. To investigate the effects of assisted-hatching technique on the ATP content and total cell number, the zona pellucida of in vitro-produced blastocysts and expanded blastocysts (recovered 144 h postinsemination [hpi]) was completely removed by pronase treatment. The average (mean +/- SEM) ATP content of nonmatured oocytes (3.47 +/- 0.18 pmol) was significantly (P < 0.01) higher than that of in vitro-matured oocytes (2.17 +/- 0.10 pmol). After in vitro fertilization and culture, the ATP content of two-cell stages (24 hpi) was 1.17 +/- 0.08 pmol, which increased to 1.47 +/- 0.19 and 1.88 +/- 0.32 pmol at the four- (40 hpi) and eight-cell (48 hpi) stages, respectively. The ATP content then decreased to 1.48 +/- 0.10 pmol in 16-cell embryos (64 hpi), reaching a minimum of 0.49 +/- 0.04 pmol at the morula stage (120 hpi). Blastocysts, expanded blastocysts (both 144 hpi), and hatching blastocysts (192 hpi) revealed ATP levels of 1.05 +/- 0.09, 1.79 +/- 0.01, and 4.17 +/- 0.21 pmol, respectively. After enzymatic removal of the zona pellucida (ERZP) at 144 hpi, ATP content and total cell numbers of blastocysts (4.15 +/- 0.37 pmol of ATP, 328.3 +/- 48.5 cells) and expanded blastocysts (5.81 +/- 0.54 pmol of ATP, 430.1 +/- 29.7 cells) analyzed at 192 hpi were significantly (P < 0.001) higher than in their nontreated counterparts (blastocysts: 1.00 +/- 0.09 pmol of ATP, 65.3 +/- 4.6 cells; expanded blastocysts: 1.79 +/- 0.11 pmol of ATP, 121.4 +/- 6.5 cells). Our study describes, to our knowledge for the first time, changes in the energy status of domestic cat oocytes before and after maturation and during in vitro development after fertilization. The ERZP markedly increased the ATP content and total cell number of blastocyst stages, suggesting that this technique may improve the quality and viability of in vitro-produced domestic cat embryos.

Adenosine Triphosphate↗

Mechanical properties of reconstituted collagen fibrils. A study on reconstitution methodology and influence of in vitro maturation.

Acid extracted collagen from rat skin was reconstituted into fibrils at physiological pH and ion concentration. The fibrils were indistinguishable from native collagen in ultrastructural appearance. This report describes a procedure for reconstituting collagen fibrils into thin membranes which allows the preparation of a set of collagen membranes with identical mechanical properties. Reconstituted collagen fibrils showed a gain in mechanical strength upon maturation in vitro similar to the increase in mechanical strength known to occur during maturation of collagenous tissues in vivo. It is suggested that the changes in the mechanical properties of reconstituted collagen fibrils during in vitro maturation may reflect the changes observed during in vivo maturation of collagenous tissues. The possible influence of the amounts of reducible intermolecular cross-links on the gain in strength during maturation is discussed.

Animals↗

Centrosome-specific perturbations during in vitro maturation of mouse oocytes exposed to cocaine.

Previous studies indicating that cocaine may perturb meiotic chromosome segregation in mammalian oocytes prompted an analysis of the effects of cocaine on mouse oocytes matured in vitro under defined exposure conditions. Cumulus-enclosed mouse oocytes were matured in vitro in the continuous presence of cocaine and assessed for meiotic cell cycle progression and centrosome-microtubule organization using a combination of cytogenetic and fluorescence microscopic techniques. Both of these approaches demonstrated that cocaine had little effect on meiotic cell cycle progression to metaphase of meiosis-2 except at the highest dose tested (1000 microg/ml) where progression from metaphase-1 to metaphase-2 was inhibited. Cytogenetic analyses further showed that bivalent segregation was moderately affected and the incidence of premature centromere separation was significantly decreased following cocaine treatment. Under conditions of cocaine exposure, striking changes in meiotic spindle structure and cytoplasmic centrosome organization were observed. A 36% reduction in spindle length was associated with a loss of nonacetylated microtubules and fragmentation of spindle pole centrosomes. Moreover, in oocytes exposed to cocaine during maturation, a doubling in cytoplasmic centrosome number was observed. These results are discussed with respect to the relative roles of chromosomes and centrosomes in establishing and maintaining functional microtubule organization during meiosis in oocytes.

Aneuploidy↗

The ploidy of in vitro matured bovine oocytes is related to the diameter.

The aim of the present study was to investigate a possible relationship between bovine oocyte diameter and the ploidy after maturation in vitro. The cumulus-oocyte-complexes (COCs) were collected by slicing slaughterhouse ovaries and were matured in vitro in standard conditions. Oocytes were collected separately from each ovary and then processed in groups according to their origin. After maturation, the inside zona pellucida diameter of each cell was measured and cytogenetic slides were made. Four size categories were distinguished: <110, 110-115, 115-120 and >120 microm. Altogether, 600 oocytes derived from single ovaries of 50 donors were measured and cytogenetically analyzed. The diploid chromosome number (2MII) was found for 8.4% of oocytes (36/427) and for 44% of donors (22/50). The observed number of 2MII cells varied between 1 and 6 per donor. The size of secondary oocytes with unreduced chromosome numbers was significantly smaller (P < 0.01) than the haploid ones. We conclude that bigger oocytes underwent normal meiotic division, whereas their smaller counterparts tended to follow an abnormal path of maturation.

Animals↗

Cell coupling and maturation-promoting factor activity in in vitro-matured prepubertal and adult sheep oocytes.

We examined some differences between prepubertal and adult ovine oocytes; in particular we analyzed the functional status of the cumulus-oocyte complex, protein synthesis during in vitro maturation, and because no information is available on prepubertal and adult sheep, maturation-promoting factor (MPF) fluctuations throughout meiotic progression both in prepubertal and adult sheep oocytes. After 24 h of maturation, percentages of MII oocytes were similar between prepubertal and adult animals. Electron microscopy examinations showed that prepubertal oocytes had fewer transzonal projections than adult oocytes. Methionine uptake was significantly lower in prepubertal cumulus-enclosed oocytes examined through meiotic progression. On the contrary, denuded prepubertal oocytes showed a higher methionine incorporation in the first 4 h of incubation compared with adult oocytes. We also found some differences in MPF activity between prepubertal and adult oocytes at MII stage. In fact, prepubertal MII oocytes had a significantly lower level of MPF activity than adult oocytes did and, after fusion with germinal vesicle oocytes, they were unable to induce nuclear breakdown and chromosome condensation 1-2 h post-fusion, whereas adult MII oocytes could induce these processes. Our findings show that the lesser competence of prepubertal oocytes could be due to morphological anomalies and alterations in physiological activity and that oocytes do not reach full developmental competence until puberty.

Animals↗

Pronuclear formation and intracellular glutathione content of in vitro-matured porcine oocytes following in vitro fertilisation and/or electrical activation.

Pronuclear formation and intracellular content of glutathione, containing reduced and oxidised forms, in porcine oocytes matured in vitro were determined following insemination and/or electrical stimulation. After insemination, sperm penetration had occurred as early as 3 h and female pronuclei had formed by 6 h with complete development by 12 h. Male pronuclear formation occurred, primarily, between 9 and 12 h after insemination. Glutathione content of the oocytes decreased following sperm penetration and remained at a depressed level until 12 h. After electrical stimulation, oocyte activation had occurred and female pronuclei had formed by 3 and 6 h, respectively. Oocyte glutathione content did not change as a result of oocyte activation. When oocytes were exposed to an electrical pulse and then spermatozoa, female pronuclear formation was observed by 3 h after stimulation/insemination. Sperm penetration was observed between 3 and 9 h. However, the incidence of male pronuclear formation observed at 12 h was extremely low, although sperm decondensation had occurred in some oocytes. Oocyte glutathione content had not decreased by 6 h following electrical activation. These results demonstrate that the changes in glutathione content in porcine oocytes following fertilisation in vitro differ from those due to electrical activation. Further, the decreased intracellular glutathione content in oocytes activated by sperm penetration appears to be due to the presence of a sperm factor.

Animals↗

Pregnancies and deliveries after in vitro maturation culture followed by in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer without stimulation in women with polycystic ovary syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: To improve the efficacy of an IVF-ET program for unstimulated patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) with the use of culture for oocyte maturation. DESIGN: Prospective studies with the comparison of different ET procedures from March 1995 through February 1998. SETTING: University-affiliated hospital. PATIENT(S): Ninety-four cycles in 64 consenting patients with PCOS. INTERVENTION(S): Immature oocytes were retrieved from unstimulated patients with PCOS and subsequently cultured and fertilized in vitro. Zygote intrafallopian transfer (ZIFT), uterine ET, or a combined approach of ZIFT + uterine ET was subsequently performed. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Laboratory and clinical data. RESULT(S): Among 1, 280 immature oocytes (13.6 +/- 7.5 oocytes per patient) retrieved, 89% (1,139) were morphologically normal, and 62.2% (708/1,139) of the normal oocytes matured in vitro after culture for 48 hours. When intracytoplasmic sperm injection was performed, 68% (481/708) developed to the normal pronuclear stage, and 88.1% of the embryos cocultured with Vero cells (266/302) cleaved. Eighty-five ET cycles were conducted and pregnancy was established in 23 cycles (27.1%), which consisted of 8 after uterine ET and 15 after a combined approach. Seventeen patients delivered 20 normal infants. CONCLUSION(S): The IVF-ET method using no ovarian stimulation followed by in vitro maturation culture can be a feasible assisted reproductive technology for treatment of PCOS with various complications.

Adult↗

Incubation with sperm enhances in vitro maturation of the oocyte from the germinal vesicle to the M2 stage.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of sperm in the culture medium on the rate of oocyte maturation in vitro from the germinal vesicle to the M2 stage. DESIGN: Prospective randomized controlled study. SETTING: The IVF Unit, Wolfson Medical Center, Holon, Israel. PATIENT(S): All women in whom oocytes were retrieved at the germinal vesicle stage between December 1995 and March 1996. INTERVENTION(S): Oocytes retrieved at the germinal vesicle stage were divided prospectively and randomly into four groups of incubation conditions: group 1, intact germinal vesicle with cumulus; group 2, intact germinal vesicle with sperm cells in the culture medium; group 3, stripped germinal vesicle; and group 4, stripped germinal vesicle with sperm cells. Oocytes were observed 24 hours after retrieval, and the stage of maturation was recorded. Oocytes that reached the M2 stage underwent the intracytoplasmic injection procedure, and the fertilization rate in each group was recorded at 48 hours. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Maturation rate from the germinal vesicle to M2 stage and fertilization rate. RESULT(S): Each group contained 20 germinal vesicle oocytes. In groups 1 and 2, 2 (10%) and 9 (45%) oocytes, respectively, reached the M2 stage at 24 hours; at 48 hours, 1 (5%) and 8 (40%) embryos developed, respectively. The results in group 2 were significantly higher than in group 1. In groups 3 and 4, 6 (30%) and 16 (80%) oocytes, respectively, reached the M2 stage at 24 hours; at 48 hours, 5 (25%) and 14 (70%) embryos developed, respectively. Results in group 4 were significantly higher than those in groups 1, 2, and 3. CONCLUSION(S): Both methods of oocyte activation (i.e., addition of sperm to the culture medium or removal of the cumulus) enhance oocyte maturation in vitro, but the sperm-incubation method has a more pronounced effect. A combination of both methods leads to an exceptionally high rate of oocyte maturation, followed by a high fertilization rate.

Adult↗

Fertilization following intracytoplasmic sperm injection of in vivo and in vitro matured oocytes from an Australian marsupial, the tammar wallaby (Macropus eugenii).

Conventional in vitro fertilization (IVF) techniques have been unable to produce normal embryos in any Australian marsupial, largely owing to problems with the early stages of sperm-oocyte binding. This study has used intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) of in vivo and in vitro matured tammar wallaby oocytes to bypass these processes and achieve fertilization in vitro. The fertilization rate (i.e. development to the two-pronuclei stage) of in vivo and in vitro matured oocytes following ICSI and sham injection was assessed at 17-19 h after injection. Fertilization occurred in 48% (45/93) of in vivo matured oocytes that were injected with spermatozoa. Significantly fewer sham-injected oocytes (6/82, P < 0.005) and uninjected control oocytes (5/84, P < 0.005) formed two pronuclei. In a direct comparison, the numbers of in vivo and in vitro matured oocytes that formed two pronuclei after ICSI were 22/28 (78.6%) and 23/40 (57.6%), respectively, which are not significantly different. There was also no significant difference in the nuclear response of in vivo and in vitro matured oocytes to sham injection. The numbers of oocytes forming a single pronucleus after sham injection were 10/24 (41.7%) and 24/37 (64.9) for in vivo and in vitro matured oocytes, respectively. Immature germinal-vesicle-stage oocytes were unable to decondense sperm injected during ICSI or to form pronuclei. These results demonstrate that both in vitro and in vivo matured tammar wallaby oocytes can be fertilized by ICSI. The success of ICSI not only offers the opportunity for fundamental analysis of marsupial fertilization but could, in conjunction with development of appropriate culture conditions and embryo transfer technologies, contribute to increased production of offspring from rare or valuable marsupials.

Animals↗

Exogenous gamma-glutamyl cycle compounds supplemented to in vitro maturation medium influence in vitro fertilization, culture, and viability parameters of porcine oocytes and embryos.

High concentrations of intracellular glutathione (GSH) enhance in vitro production of porcine embryos. Objectives were: (1) to determine the effects of gamma-glutamyl cycle compound supplements to the IVM medium on IVF and IVC; and (2) to evaluate embryo viability. Porcine oocytes were matured in NCSU 23 medium supplemented with either l-cysteine (3.3 mM), l-cysteamine (150 P < 0.05microM), l-cysteine and l-cystemaine, l-glycine (1, 2.5, or 5 mM), l-glutamate (1, 2.5, or 5 mM), l-alpha-aminobutyrate (3.3mM), beta-mercaptoethanol (BME) (25 microM), l-cysteine and BME, or l-alpha-aminobutyrate and BME. Increases (P < 0.05) in GSH concentrations were observed using l-cysteine, 1.0 mM l-glutamate, l-alpha-aminobutyrate, and l-alpha-aminobutyrate with BME. Oocytes matured with l-alpha-aminobutyrate and BME had a lower (P < 0.05) occurrence of polyspermy during IVF compared to controls and a greater percentage (P < 0.05) of embryos reaching the blastocyst stage compared to other treatment groups. For Objective 2, oocytes were matured in NCSU 23 or NCSU 23 supplemented with l-alpha-aminobutyrate with BME. Embryo cell death was determined using an Annexin V-FITC assay. Supplementation had no effect on the time of cell death. Embryo mortality was increased (P < 0.05) from 24 to 42 h post-IVF, with the greatest occurrence around 36 h. In conclusion, supplementing l-alpha-aminobutyrate and BME into the IVM medium increased intracellular GSH concentrations, decreased the occurrence of polyspermy during IVF, and increased embryo development parameters during IVC, but did not affect cell death during embryo development. The onset of cell death occurred from 24 to 42 h post-IVF, with the greatest occurrence around 36 h post-IVF.

Aminobutyrates↗

Causes of developmental failure of in-vitro matured rhesus monkey oocytes: impairments in embryonic genome activation.

BACKGROUND: Understanding the causes of developmental failure of in-vitro matured primate oocytes may lead to viable strategies for improving their developmental competence. The aims of this study were to determine whether the timely onset of embryonic genome activation among individual blastomeres of preimplantation macaque embryos is impaired by in-vitro maturation (IVM) of oocytes and whether these impairments are associated with developmental failure during the embryonically controlled period of preimplantation development. METHODS: Genome activation among individual blastomeres was assessed using expression of fibrillarin as a marker of nucleolar transcription. Immature oocytes were obtained from rhesus monkeys following treatment with recombinant human FSH and matured in-vitro in one of two IVM media (CMRLa or CMRLb). In-vivo matured oocytes were obtained from FSH treated monkeys following administration of hCG. Oocytes were fertilized in vitro and either cultured for developmental studies or processed at the 8-12-cell stage for expression of fibrillarin. RESULTS: Developmental competence of embryos derived from in-vitro matured CMRLa oocytes was markedly (P < 0.05) impaired compared with those derived from in-vivo matured or in-vitro matured CMRLb oocytes. Developmental profiles were similar among the groups prior to the 8-cell stage. However, in embryos derived from in-vitro matured CMRLa oocytes, developmental failure increased significantly (P < 0.05) after the time of genome activation compared with those derived from in-vivo matured or in-vitro matured CMRLb oocytes. The mean percentages of non-activated blastomeres per embryo, as well as the proportions of embryos with at least one non-activated blastomere, or with no activated blastomeres, were all significantly (P < 0.05) greater in embryos derived from in-vitro matured CMRLa oocytes than in those derived from in-vivo matured or CMRLb oocytes. CONCLUSIONS: The relatively poor developmental competence of in-vitro matured primate oocytes is likely caused in part by failure in the timely onset of embryonic genome activation resulting from incomplete cytoplasmic maturation.

Animals↗

In vitro maturation of oocytes.

In vitro maturation (IVM) of human oocytes is an emerging assisted reproductive technology with great promise. To be successful, this process must entail both nuclear and cytoplasmic maturation. Endogenous regulation of oocyte maturation is a complex sequence of events regulated by endocrine parameters, oocyte/follicular cross-talk, and intra-oocyte kinase/phosphatase interactions. Although nuclear maturation during human oocyte IVM progresses normally, cytoplasmic maturation is significantly lacking, as exemplified by poor embryonic developmental competence and pregnancy rates. Advances made in immature oocyte isolation and oocyte and embryo culture conditions have increased the clinical feasibility of IVM. However, in order to achieve acceptable birth rates, future studies should focus on characterization and regulation of oocyte cytoplasmic maturation, and how oocyte-derived factors influence zygotic genome activation and embryonic developmental competence.

Blastocyst↗

A sensitive EIA for 17 beta-estradiol and progesterone in culture medium for oocyte in vitro maturation procedures.

A sensitive heterologous enzyme immunoassay (EIA) was validated to determine 17 beta-estradiol (E2) and progesterone levels, without previous extraction, in culture medium from rabbit oocytes matured in vitro with and without the addition of IGF-I. Polyclonal E2 (C902), and progesterone (C914) antibodies were raised in rabbits using 6-keto-17 beta-estradiol 6-carboxymethyloxime:BSA, and 11 alpha-hydroxyprogesterone 11 alpha-hemisuccinate:BSA. Horseradish peroxidase was used as label, conjugated to 17 beta-estradiol 3-hemisuccinate, and to progesterone 3-carboxymethyloxime. Standard dose response curves covered a range between 0 and 1 ng/well (100 microliters). The low detection limits of the technique were 1.99 pg/well for E2, and 13.21 pg/well for progesterone. Intra- and interassay coefficient of variation percentage (% CV) were < 6.3 and < 7.8 for E2 and progesterone, respectively (n = 10). The recovery rate of known E2 or progesterone concentrations added to a pool of culture maturation medium averaged 96.39%, and 98.65%, respectively. Compared with RIA, EIA values were in close agreement for E2 (n = 15, R = 0.96, P < 0.001), and progesterone (n = 15, R = 0.99, P < 0.001). Medium samples were obtained after oocyte maturation in vitro for 16 h. Use of IGF-I significantly elevated steroids production in the oocyte surrounded cumulus cells. The EIA described here is highly sensitive and specific assay, and provides a rapid, simple, inexpensive, and non-radiometric alternative to RIA for determining E2 and progesterone levels in oocyte culture medium.

Animals↗

Stimulation of development of in vitro-matured and in vitro-fertilized bovine embryos by platelets.

In vitro-fertilized bovine embryos were incubated in Menezo's B2 medium (MB2) supplemented with 2 mg/mL of BSA. In Exp. 1, eight-cell stage embryos were allotted to one of the following groups: control medium (MB2), MB2 with 20 ng/mL of platelet-activating factor (PAF), 1 x 10(7) bovine blood platelets (Platelets), oviductal cells (BOEC), BOEC and 20 ng/mL of PAF (BOEC+PAF), or BOEC and 1 x 10(7) platelets (BOEC+Platelets). In Exp. 2, eight-cell embryos were allotted to one of the following groups: control medium (MB2), MB2 with 1 x 10(7) platelets (Platelets), 1 x 10(7) platelets and 10 micrograms/mL of platelet-derived growth factor antibody (Platelets+anti-PDGF), 1 x 10(7) platelets and 1 microgram/mL of indomethacin (Platelets+Indomethacin), or 1 x 10(7) platelets and 3 micrograms/mL of mianserin (Platelets+Mianserin). Embryos were incubated at 39 degrees C in 5% CO2 in groups of five until 8 d after in vitro fertilization (IVF). In Exp. 1, Platelets stimulated embryo development to the morula, blastocyst, and expanded blastocyst stages. Embryo development was greatest in the BOEC+Platelets group on d 7 and 8 after IVF. Only embryos incubated in the BOEC+Platelets treatment group reached the hatched blastocyst stage on d 8. In Exp. 2, embryos incubated in the Platelets treatment group had the greatest (P < .05) proportion develop beyond the eight-cell stage. Embryos incubated in the Platelets + anti-PDGF group had less (P < .05) development beyond the eight-cell stage and to the morula stage. These results indicate that the stimulatory effects of PDGF on bovine embryo development may be derived from both the oviductal epithelium and platelets.

Animals↗

A cytogenetic study of in-vitro matured murine oocytes after ICSI by human sperm.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to investigate the chromosomal complement and developmental potential of in-vitro matured murine oocytes following ICSI by human sperm. METHODS: Heterologous ICSI fertilization between mouse oocytes and human sperm was employed in order to overcome the reduced fertilization rates observed after conventional IVF due to zona hardening during in-vitro maturation, and to assess separately maternal and paternal chromosome complements. Cytogenetic analyses were performed in four types of oocytes: (i) in-vitro matured metaphase II (MII) oocytes; (ii) in-vivo matured MII oocytes; (iii) in-vitro matured oocytes after ICSI; (iv) in-vivo matured oocytes after ICSI. RESULTS: Activation rates after ICSI of in-vitro matured oocytes was lower than that of in-vivo matured oocytes (69.9 versus 97.2%, P < 0.01), and premature chromosomal condensation was only observed in in-vitro matured oocytes. However, there were no significant differences in developmental rates after successful activation between in-vivo and in-vitro matured ICSI oocytes (69.7 versus 76.6%). The incidences of aneuploidy and structural aberrations were similar between the ICSI embryos and non-ICSI (MII) oocytes. Furthermore, the frequency of chromosomal aberrations was not associated with in-vitro or in-vivo maturation. Similar analyses of paternal chromosomes indicated that there were no significant differences in the incidence of chromosomal aberrations between the embryos derived from in-vitro and in-vivo matured oocytes. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that in-vitro matured oocytes following ICSI do not lead to an increase in the frequency of aneuploidy and structural aberrations when human sperm are injected into mouse oocytes.

Aneuploidy↗