The embryo toxicity of hydrosalpinx fluid is only apparent at high concentrations: an in vitro model that stimulates in vivo events.
OBJECTIVE
To simulate the in vivo model in studying the effect of hydrosalpinx fluid on embryonic development.


METHODS
Controlled prospective study.


METHODS
Academic research center.


METHODS
Five hundred eighty-seven two-cell murine embryos.


METHODS
Embryos were grown under two sets of conditions. Half were cultured using 10% fetal calf serum in RPM1 medium in varying concentrations of hydrosalpinx fluid (0, 1%, 10%, 50%, 75%, and 100%). To more closely mimic the in vivo environment, the other half were grown in an endometrial coculture system with the same media and hydrosalpinx fluid concentrations.


METHODS
Embryonic development.


RESULTS
For each stage of embryogenesis, diminished development was noted with increasing concentrations of hydrosalpinx fluid. In the group of embryos grown without endometrial coculture, only at a minimum concentration of 50% hydrosalpinx fluid was diminished development noted for the blastocyst, hatching, and outgrowth stages. When an endometrial coculture system was used, development was not inhibited until exposure to a minimum of 75% hydrosalpinx fluid. Embryogenesis was enhanced when an endometrial coculture system was used for each concentration of hydrosalpinx fluid.


CONCLUSIONS
When a model is used that more accurately mimics the in vivo conditions of IVF-ET in a patient with hydrosalpinges, it appears that high concentrations of hydrosalpinx fluid are required to signiticantly impede embryogenesis. The endometrium appears to help detoxify hydrosalpinx fluid.
Spandorfer
S D
SD
The Center for Reproductive Medicine and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The New York Hospital/Cornell Medical Center, New York, USA.
Liu
H C
HC
Neuer
A
A
Barmat
L I
LI
Davis
O
O
Rosenwaks
Z
Z
D000818:Animals; D018920:Coculture Techniques; D046508:Culture Techniques; D004622:Embryo, Mammalian / Q000502:physiology*; D004717:Endometrium / Q000502:physiology; D005122:Exudates and Transudates / Q000502:physiology*; D005184:Fallopian Tube Diseases / Q000378:metabolism*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D051379:Mice; D011247:Pregnancy; D011446:Prospective Studies