In vivo and in vitro maturation of human oocytes: effects on embryo development and polyspermic fertilization.
OBJECTIVE
To compare the effects of in vivo and in vitro maturation of human oocytes.


METHODS
Women (n = 60) undergoing follicular stimulation for in vitro fertilization, using long-course analog therapy to suppress endogenous luteinizing hormone (LH), were randomly allocated to a short (34 hour) or long (39 hour) delay between human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) administration and oocyte retrieval. Each patient's oocytes were divided into two groups that were either inseminated immediately or after 5 hours.


RESULTS
The incidence of polyspermic fertilization was highest in oocytes inseminated immediately after a short hCG/oocyte retrieval interval (17/100) and was significantly (P less than 0.05) reduced by preincubation and/or a long hGG/oocyte retrieval interval. Fertilization rates were higher with 39 hours than with 34 hours in vivo maturation (84.2% versus 76.8%; P less than 0.05). The incidence of delayed fertilization was reduced by extending the hCG/oocyte retrieval interval (short, 12.9%; long, 3.9%; P less than 0.001).


CONCLUSIONS
Extension of the in vivo maturation time increased fertilization rates and eliminated the requirement for preinsemination incubation, allowing simplification of laboratory procedures.
Jamieson
M E
ME
University Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Glasgow Royal Infirmary, Scotland.
Fleming
R
R
Kader
S
S
Ross
K S
KS
Yates
R W
RW
Coutts
J R
JR
D006063:Chorionic Gonadotropin / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005314:Embryonic and Fetal Development; D005260:Female; D005306:Fertilization; D005307:Fertilization in Vitro; D006801:Humans; D007247:Infertility, Female / Q000628:therapy; D009865:Oocytes / Q000502:physiology*; D011247:Pregnancy; D013997:Time Factors
D006063:Chorionic Gonadotropin