Potential use of embryo coculture with human in vitro fertilization procedures.
OBJECTIVE
This review was designed to outline potential uses of an embryo co-culture system in human assisted reproduction programs to improve embryo quality and pregnancy rates.


RESULTS
The various cell types used in embryo co-culture were reviewed in addition to the use of co-culture for both animal and human embryos. Co-culture provides a method to enhance embryo development in an inadequate in vitro environment without compromising embryo quality. Human IVF laboratories have used various types of "helper cells" to improve rate of development, reduce cell fragmentation rate and in some instances increases pregnancy and implantation rates.


CONCLUSIONS
In conjunction with several assisted reproduction procedures such as IVF, microsurgical fertilization, cryopreservation and genetic evaluation, co-culture may increase the number of viable embryos for replacement and improve pregnancy rates.
Thibodeaux
J K
JK
In Vitro Fertilization Laboratory, Tulsa Center for Fertility & Women's Heath, Oklahoma 74104, USA.
Godke
R A
RA
D000818:Animals; D002460:Cell Line; D018920:Coculture Techniques / Q000379:methods; D004624:Embryo Transfer / Q000379:methods*; D004622:Embryo, Mammalian / Q000166:cytology*; D005314:Embryonic and Fetal Development; D005260:Female; D005307:Fertilization in Vitro; D006801:Humans; D011247:Pregnancy; D018873:Pregnancy Rate; D012099:Reproductive Techniques