Cytogenetic evaluation of human oocytes that failed to complete meiotic maturation in vitro.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the cause of infertility in a couple whose oocytes failed to mature in two consecutive fertility treatments.


METHODS
Case report.


METHODS
University-based IVF program.


METHODS
A 32-year-old woman with unexplained infertility.


METHODS
Cytogenetic evaluation of oocytes that failed to reach meiotic metaphase II stage of maturation.


METHODS
Observation of oocyte maturity and chromosome composition after fixing and staining with Orcein stain.


RESULTS
Cytogenetic analysis revealed that the oocytes had successfully resumed meiosis. Germinal vesicle breakdown was also indicated, and chromosomes were at metaphase II stage of development. However, meiotic reduction of those chromosomes failed.


CONCLUSIONS
Infertility in this couple seems to be attributed to the failure of the chromosomes to complete the reduction phase of metaphase II of meiosis.
Neal
Michael S
MS
Hamilton Health Sciences, Ontario, Hamilton, Canada. nealm@hhsc.ca
Cowan
Lisa
L
Louis
Jackie Pierre
JP
Hughes
Ed
E
King
W Allan
WA
Basrur
Pari K
PK
D000328:Adult; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D002875:Chromosomes / Q000648:ultrastructure; D020732:Cytogenetic Analysis; D005260:Female; D005307:Fertilization in Vitro; D006801:Humans; D007246:Infertility / Q000235:genetics*; D008297:Male; D008540:Meiosis; D008677:Metaphase; D009865:Oocytes / Q000648:ultrastructure*