In vitro maturation, fertilization, and development of human germinal vesicle oocytes collected from stimulated cycles.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate whether germinal vesicle (GV) oocytes from stimulated cycles can be a source of embryos.


METHODS
In vitro model study.


METHODS
Specialized laboratory of women's clinic.


METHODS
Women in whom oocytes were retrieved at the GV stage.


METHODS
After culture of GV oocytes in the modified TLP medium with human follicular fluid, oocytes that reached the metaphase II stage underwent ICSI. Potential of fertilization and subsequent cleavage of in vitro-matured oocytes was compared with that of an in vivo-matured control.


METHODS
Maturation rate, rate of pronuclei formation, and developmental activity.


RESULTS
The maturation rate of GV oocytes from follicles primed with gonadotropin was not affected by the presence or absence of cumulus. However, the maturation was more synchronous in oocytes with cumulus than in those without cumulus. Proportions of oocytes with two pronuclei and embryos cleaved to the 16-cell stage after ICSI were significantly lower in the oocytes matured in vitro than in the oocytes matured in vivo.


CONCLUSIONS
Human GV oocytes from stimulated ovaries can be matured, fertilized, and developed in vitro. Production of embryos from GV oocytes will increase the opportunity for achieving pregnancy.
Kim
B K
BK
Department of Biology, Dongeui University, Pusan, South Korea. bkkim@hyomin.dongeui.ac.kr
Lee
S C
SC
Kim
K J
KJ
Han
C H
CH
Kim
J H
JH
D002467:Cell Nucleus / Q000648:ultrastructure; D016922:Cellular Senescence / Q000502:physiology; D002970:Cleavage Stage, Ovum; D005260:Female; D005306:Fertilization; D006801:Humans; D008677:Metaphase / Q000502:physiology; D009865:Oocytes / Q000502:physiology* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D012016:Reference Values; D020554:Sperm Injections, Intracytoplasmic; D013997:Time Factors