Successful human in vitro fertilization using a modified human tubal fluid medium lacking glucose and phosphate ions.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the effect of medium with or without glucose and phosphate on the fertilization and development of human oocytes.


METHODS
Sequential allocation of alternate patients to one of two treatment groups.


METHODS
Private practice infertility programs.


METHODS
Ten couples requesting treatment for infertility.


METHODS
Gametes from each couple were collected, washed, and incubated in one of two culture media under investigation.


METHODS
Number of oocytes collected, fertilized, cleaving, replaced, and implanting in each patient. Development of any supernumerary embryos to fully expanded blastocysts in vitro.


RESULTS
There was a significant increase in the proportion of transferred embryos implanting in the group of patients whose gametes were handled in medium devoid of glucose and phosphate. All other comparisons of factors that may have influenced implantation rates between the two groups of patients were not significantly different.


CONCLUSIONS
High rates of fertilization, cleavage, implantation, and development of supernumerary human embryos to the blastocyst stage in vitro were obtained with a modified human tubal fluid medium containing ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid and glutamine but devoid of glucose and phosphate ions. A prospective randomized trial is necessary to evaluate the clinical significance of these observations.
Quinn
P
P
Encino-Tarzana Regional Medical Center.
Moinipanah
R
R
Steinberg
J M
JM
Weathersbee
P S
PS
D001826:Body Fluids / Q000378:metabolism*; D003470:Culture Media / Q000378:metabolism*; D010064:Embryo Implantation; D004624:Embryo Transfer; D005187:Fallopian Tubes / Q000378:metabolism*; D005260:Female; D005307:Fertilization in Vitro; D005947:Glucose / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D007477:Ions; D008297:Male; D010710:Phosphates / Q000378:metabolism*
D003470:Culture Media; D007477:Ions; D010710:Phosphates; D005947:Glucose