Double fertilization in vitro and the origin of human chimerism.
A human embryo consisting of two cells, each containing two pronuclei, was found in the IVF laboratory. The most likely explanation for this phenomenon is a parthenogenetic activation of an oocyte leading to immediate cleavage and followed by double fertilization. Human chimerism may originate in this way.
Department of Endocrinology, Growth, and Reproduction, Erasmus University Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
S J
SJ
Van de Leur
G H
GH
Zeilmaker
D000328:Adult; D002460:Cell Line; D002678:Chimera / Q000235:genetics*; D005260:Female; D005307:Fertilization in Vitro; D006801:Humans; D008540:Meiosis; D010063:Ovum / Q000166:cytology