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Epigenetic influences on oocyte developm ... rity and intrafollicular oxygen
Epigenetic influences on oocyte developmental competence: perifollicular vascularity and intrafollicular oxygen.
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PURPOSE: Studies indicating that the developmental competence of the human oocyte is influenced by the level of intrafollicular oxygen are described. METHODS: Perifollicular vascularity and dissolved oxygen content were determined by color Doppler ultrasonography and analysis of follicular fluid at ovum retrieval, respectively, in stimulated cycles for in vitro fertilization. RESULTS: Differences in the degree of perifollicular vascularity correlate with differences in the dissolved oxygen content of the corresponding follicular fluid. Oocytes with cytoplasmic and chromosomal disorders and embryos with multinucleated blastomeres and limited developmental ability were derived predominantly from underoxygenated follicles. Findings from several studies indicate that embryos with the highest implantation potential originate from follicles that are well-vascularized and oxygenated. CONCLUSIONS: Follicular vascularity and oxygen content appear to be important determinants of oocyte competence. Possible causes of differences in follicle-specific vascularity and the potential effects of severe hypoxia on the normality of molecular and cellular processes during follicle growth and preovulatory development are discussed.
Van Blerkom J
Journal of assisted reproduction and genetics
1998-05-01 00:00
15
5
226-34
Animals,Cell Division,Female,Humans,Oocytes,Ovarian Follicle,Oxygen,Pregnancy,Oxygen
Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, University of Colorado, Boulder 80309-0347, USA
J. Assist. Reprod. Genet.
NICHD HD-31907
1058-0468
1187
True
9604752
