In vitro development of human oocytes after parthenogenetic activation or intracytoplasmic sperm injection.
OBJECTIVE
To compare directly in vitro developmental competence between parthenogenetically activated and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI)-fertilized oocytes.


METHODS
For each patient, three metaphase II oocytes were randomized to the ICSI procedure, while n-3 were allocated to parthenogenetic activation.


METHODS
University hospital infertility unit.


METHODS
Thirty-eight patients, aged 35.2 +/- 3.3 years (mean +/- SD) selected for ICSI.


METHODS
After 1 hour from denudation, oocytes were either fertilized by ICSI (n = 114) or chemically activated (n = 104). Fertilized and activated oocytes were cultured for up to 3 and 5 days, respectively.


METHODS
Development rate, cell number, and morphological grade during culture.


RESULTS
The two groups showed no significant differences between rates of fertilization and parthenogenetic activation, development, and blastomere number on days 2 and 3 of culture. However, parthenotes showed a lower morphological grade, and a significantly lower proportion went on cleaving to day 3, when only activated rather than total numbers of oocytes were considered. On day 5 after activation, nine oocytes (8.6%) reached the blastocyst stage, representing 12.9% of parthenotes.


CONCLUSIONS
Since most parameters examined in this study were similar between activated and fertilized oocytes, parthenogenetic activation may be a useful tool for the preclinical evaluation of experimental procedures.
Paffoni
Alessio
A
Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Neonatology, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Mangiagalli and Regina Elena, Milan, Italy.
Brevini
Tiziana A L
TA
Somigliana
Edgardo
E
Restelli
Liliana
L
Gandolfi
Fulvio
F
Ragni
Guido
G
D000328:Adult; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D047108:Embryonic Development / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D009865:Oocytes / Q000166:cytology* / Q000502:physiology*; D010312:Parthenogenesis / Q000502:physiology*; D020554:Sperm Injections, Intracytoplasmic / Q000379:methods*