The relationship between size and maturation in vitro in the unstimulated human oocyte.
OBJECTIVE
To determine if the size of human oocytes at collection from unstimulated ovaries is related to their ability to resume meiosis and undergo maturation in vitro.


METHODS
A comparative study of oocyte diameter at collection.


METHODS
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Northwestern University Medical School.


METHODS
Women age 25 to 39 years of age undergoing gynecological procedures yielding oophorectomy specimens.


METHODS
Oocytes obtained from ovarian tissue were cultured in Ham's F-10 and fetal bovine serum for 72 hours and observed two times per day.


METHODS
The oocytes ability to resume meiosis and complete maturation based on their diameter at collection.


RESULTS
Chi-squared analysis revealed a significant difference in oocytes measuring 86 to 105 microns versus those measuring 106 to 125 microns.


CONCLUSIONS
The unstimulated human oocyte appears to have a size-dependent ability to resume meiosis and complete maturation.
Northwestern University Medical School, Chicago, Illinois.
K L
KL
Durinzi
E M
EM
Saniga
S E
SE
Lanzendorf
D000328:Adult; D048429:Cell Size; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008540:Meiosis; D009865:Oocytes / Q000166:cytology* / Q000254:growth & development