Cryoprotection of human oocytes: inappropriate exposure to DMSO reduces fertilization rates.
Human oocytes were exposed to the cryoprotectant dimethyl-sulphoxide (DMSO) at either 4 or 37 degrees C. Subsequent fertilization of these oocytes showed that exposure to DMSO at 37 degrees C was associated with a greatly reduced fertilization rate when compared to untreated control oocytes, whereas no such reduction was seen in oocytes exposed to DMSO at 4 degrees C. The significance of these results for the potential cryopreservation of human oocytes is discussed.
Pickering
S J
SJ
Department of Anatomy, Cambridge, UK.
Braude
P R
PR
Johnson
M H
MH
D015925:Cryopreservation / Q000379:methods*; D004121:Dimethyl Sulfoxide / Q000494:pharmacology*; D005307:Fertilization in Vitro / Q000187:drug effects*; D006801:Humans; D013696:Temperature; D013997:Time Factors
D004121:Dimethyl Sulfoxide