Chaotic mosaicism in human preimplantation embryos is correlated with a low mitochondrial membrane potential.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the relationship between the intrinsic mitochondrial deltapsi of human embryos and the embryo karyotype.


METHODS
Analysis of mitochondrial deltapsi of living embryos followed by chromosomal enumeration with fluorescence in situ hybridization. A tertiary center for assisted reproduction technology.


METHODS
Fifty-two patients attending the fertility center for assisted reproduction.


METHODS
Donated embryos were loaded with a mitochondrial deltapsi-sensitive fluorescence dye.


METHODS
Mitochondrial deltapsi was measured by confocal microscopy. Subsequently, embryos were fixed and fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis was used to denote embryo karyotype.


METHODS
Mitochondrial deltapsi and embryo karyotype.


RESULTS
An association was observed between low mitochondrial deltapsi and the detection of chaotic mosaicism. Analysis of oocytes suggested that this was due to the effect of low mitochondrial deltapsi on the morphology of the meiotic apparatus.


CONCLUSIONS
The data suggest that the intrinsic mitochondrial deltapsi of human oocytes programs the developmental fate of embryos through an effect on the ability of oocytes to form a normal meiotic apparatus and not through nondisjunction.
Wilding
Martin
M
Center for Reproductive Biology, Clinica Villa del Sole, Naples, Italy. martinwilding@katamail.com
De Placido
Giuseppe
G
De Matteo
Loredana
L
Marino
Marcella
M
Alviggi
Carlo
C
Dale
Brian
B
D001755:Blastocyst / Q000166:cytology / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D005307:Fertilization in Vitro; D006801:Humans; D007425:Intracellular Membranes / Q000502:physiology* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D007621:Karyotyping; D008540:Meiosis; D008564:Membrane Potentials / Q000502:physiology; D018613:Microscopy, Confocal; D008928:Mitochondria / Q000502:physiology* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D009030:Mosaicism / Q000235:genetics*; D009865:Oocytes / Q000166:cytology / Q000502:physiology