title: Cryoprotection of human oocytes: inappropriate exposure to DMSO reduces fertilization rates.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Anatomy, Cambridge, UK.
authors.forename: S J
authors.initials: SJ
authors.lastname: Pickering
authors.forename: P R
authors.initials: PR
authors.lastname: Braude
authors.forename: M H
authors.initials: MH
authors.lastname: Johnson
mesh_terms: D015925:Cryopreservation / Q000379:methods*; D004121:Dimethyl Sulfoxide / Q000494:pharmacology*; D005307:Fertilization in Vitro / Q000187:drug effects*; D006801:Humans; D013696:Temperature; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D004121:Dimethyl Sulfoxide