title: Cumulus cell-oocyte complexes retrieved from antral follicles in IVM cycles: relationship between COCs morphology, gonadotropin priming and clinical outcome.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To assess retrospectively the developmental potential of different types of cumulus cell-oocyte complexes (COCs) derived from IVM cycles.
  
  
  METHODS
  IVM cycles were performed in natural cycles or after HCG, FSH, or FSH/HCG priming. COCs recovered were morphologically characterized in different types: compact (CC) or expanded (EC) cumulus mass but including an immature oocyte, and expanded cumulus mass enclosing a mature oocyte (EC-MII). Embryo developmental competence was investigated analysing exclusively cycles in which all transferred embryos derived from the same COC category.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Fertilization rates did not differ significantly. Significant differences in pregnancy rates (14.5%, 10.0% and 27.6 % in the CC, EC, and EC-MII categories, respectively) were observed. Likewise, significant differences in implantation rates (8.9%, 6.3% and 19.1% in the CC, EC, and EC-MII categories, respectively) were found. Overall, priming with FSH/HCG had a beneficial effect on pregnancy and implantation rates, while no priming or HCG alone generated oocytes with poor competence.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  In IVM cycles, morphological evaluation at the time of collection can predict the developmental ability of different COCs. FSH/HGC priming has a positive effect on oocyte competence.
authors.affiliation: Biogenesi Reproductive Medicine Centre, Istituti Clinici Zucchi, V Zucchi 24, Monza, Italy.
authors.forename: Mariabeatrice
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Dal Canto
authors.forename: Fausta
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Brambillasca
authors.forename: Mario
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Mignini Renzini
authors.forename: Giovanni
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Coticchio
authors.forename: Maria
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Merola
authors.forename: Monia
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Lain
authors.forename: Elena
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: De Ponti
authors.forename: Rubens
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Fadini
mesh_terms: D006063:Chorionic Gonadotropin / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D054885:Cumulus Cells / Q000166:cytology* / Q000502:physiology; D004624:Embryo Transfer; D047108:Embryonic Development; D005260:Female; D005307:Fertilization in Vitro; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D009865:Oocytes / Q000166:cytology* / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D006080:Ovarian Follicle / Q000166:cytology* / Q000187:drug effects*; D011247:Pregnancy; D018873:Pregnancy Rate; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D006063:Chorionic Gonadotropin; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone