Ultrastructure of human oocytes of different maturity stages and the alteration during in vitro maturation.
OBJECTIVE
To observe the ultrastructure of human oocytes at different maturity stages and morphologies before and after in vitro maturation.


METHODS
Case report.


METHODS
University-based center for human reproduction.


METHODS
A 28-year-old patient with polycystic ovary syndrome undergoing IVM/IVF-ET treatment.


METHODS
Human chorionic gonadotropin was given to the patient 36 hours before her oocytes were retrieved by transvaginal aspiration.


METHODS
Ultrastructure of human oocytes matured in vitro.


RESULTS
Obvious ultrastructural differences were found in oocytes at different maturity stages between those cultured in vitro and those matured in vivo. Degenerate structures were observed in abnormal oocytes. Granulosa cell apoptosis rates from abnormal oocytes were higher than those from normal oocytes. Cumulus cells surrounding morphologically abnormal oocytes had a significantly higher frequency of cell apoptosis, as compared with morphologically normal oocytes.


CONCLUSIONS
Obvious ultrastructural differences were found between the oocytes matured in vitro and in vivo.
School of Life Sciences, Shandong University, 324 Jing-5-Wei-7 Road, Jinan, People's Republic of China.
Yong-jie
YJ
Yang
Yan-jun
YJ
Zhang
Yuan
Y
Li
D000328:Adult; D004624:Embryo Transfer; D004958:Estradiol / Q000097:blood; D005260:Female; D005307:Fertilization in Vitro; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone / Q000097:blood; D006801:Humans; D007986:Luteinizing Hormone / Q000097:blood; D008871:Microvilli / Q000648:ultrastructure; D009865:Oocytes / Q000502:physiology* / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D011085:Polycystic Ovary Syndrome / Q000097:blood*; D011247:Pregnancy; D015044:Zona Pellucida / Q000648:ultrastructure
D004958:Estradiol; D007986:Luteinizing Hormone; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone