Predictive value of cumulus cell apoptosis with regard to blastocyst development of corresponding gametes.
OBJECTIVE
To test if a high degree of apoptosis in cumulus cells could indicate diminished oocyte quality and developmental competence.


METHODS
Prospective analysis.


METHODS
Public hospital and university.


METHODS
Thirty seven women who gave written consent to participate in this study.


METHODS
Cumulus-oocyte complexes were denuded separately and the resulting cumulus cell suspensions were analyzed for presence of apoptosis using a terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated digoxigenin-dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) assay detection kit.


METHODS
Percentage of apoptotic cumulus cells and blastocyst formation rate.


RESULTS
Younger patients (< or = 35 years) showed significantly fewer apoptotic cumulus cells than older ones. In all patients gamete maturity was shown to be highly correlated to the rate of apoptosis in cumulus cells. At zygote and cleavage stages (days 1 to 4) no morphologic features were related to the degree of programmed cell death. However, blastocyst development was predictable taking into account the percentage of apoptosis in associated somatic cells. In addition, there was a trend toward better quality blastocysts from follicles with a lower rate of apoptotic cells. No influence on pregnancy and implantation rate was observed.


CONCLUSIONS
Apoptotic processes within follicles seem to impair oocyte maturation. Though not manifested in the morphologic appearance, gametes and embryos derived from cumulus complexes with no or minor apoptosis have an increased chance of giving rise to optimal blastocysts.
Corn
Claudia Maria
CM
University of Salzburg, Institute of Zoology, Salzburg, Austria.
Hauser-Kronberger
Cornelia
C
Moser
Marianne
M
Tews
Gernot
G
Ebner
Thomas
T
D000328:Adult; D017209:Apoptosis / Q000502:physiology*; D001755:Blastocyst / Q000166:cytology / Q000502:physiology*; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D047108:Embryonic Development / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D005854:Germ Cells / Q000166:cytology / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D009865:Oocytes / Q000166:cytology / Q000502:physiology*; D006080:Ovarian Follicle / Q000166:cytology / Q000502:physiology*; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011247:Pregnancy; D011446:Prospective Studies