title: Morphologic indicators predict the stage of chromatin condensation of human germinal vesicle oocytes recovered from stimulated cycles.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To assess germinal vesicles (GV) recovered from stimulated cycles by means of morphometric and morphologic examination (using contrast-phase and image analysis) and chromatin configuration (using fluorescent DNA imaging), and to evaluate the relevance of morphometric and morphologic parameters as forecasters of chromatin status.
  
  
  METHODS
  Experimental study.
  
  
  METHODS
  University-affiliated infertility clinic.
  
  
  METHODS
  One hundred and thirty-one GV oocytes donated to patients for intracytoplasmic sperm injection.
  
  
  METHODS
  We evaluated 131 GVs by means of morphology and morphometry with the use of contrast phase microscopy. They were subsequently fixed, DNA stained, and assessed by fluorescent microscopy. Compiled data were retrospectively grouped according to three models.
  
  
  METHODS
  Model A: ova were grouped according to chromatin condensation (noncondensed vs. condensed). Model B: ova were grouped according to chromatin distribution in relation to the nucleolus-like body (NLB) (not surrounding vs. surrounding and/or absent) but regardless of the condensation stage. Model C: GV oocytes were grouped according to the combination of both of the previously mentioned parameters (chromatin condensation and distribution in relation to the NLB).
  
  
  RESULTS
  According to the GV classification of model A, nucleoplasm, nucleus position, nuclear envelope continuity, and oocyte size were shown to be relevant and were included in a mathematical model for predicting chromatin condensation stage.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Noninvasive analysis of GV oocytes using contrast-phase microscopy maintains oocytes in a viable state and allows the chromatin condensation status to be predicted.
authors: Valencia University Institute of IVI, Valencia, Spain.
authors: Laura
authors: L
authors: Escrich
authors: Noelia
authors: N
authors: Grau
authors: Marcos
authors: M
authors: Meseguer
authors: Antonio
authors: A
authors: Pellicer
authors: María-José
authors: MJ
authors: Escribá
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002467:Cell Nucleus / Q000502:physiology* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D002843:Chromatin / Q000502:physiology* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008856:Microscopy, Fluorescence; D008858:Microscopy, Phase-Contrast; D009685:Nuclear Envelope / Q000648:ultrastructure; D009865:Oocytes / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D006080:Ovarian Follicle / Q000502:physiology; D010062:Ovulation Induction; D020554:Sperm Injections, Intracytoplasmic
chemical_list: D002843:Chromatin