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Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics

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01-02-2015 | Embryo Biology

Improved blastocyst formation with reduced culture volume: comparison of three different culture conditions on 1128 sibling human zygotes

Authors: Maria Giulia Minasi, Gemma Fabozzi, Valentina Casciani, Anna Maria Lobascio, Alessandro Colasante, Filomena Scarselli, Ermanno Greco

Published in: Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics | Issue 2/2015

Abstract

Purpose

The aim of the present randomized, comparative study was to evaluate the effect of reduced culture volumes on sibling human embryo development.

Methods

Firstly, sibling injected oocytes obtained from 88 out of 165 consenting couples undergoing infertility treatment were cultured either in large (35 μl) or in small drops (15 μl) of culture medium. Secondly, sibling injected oocytes from 77 couples were cultured either in large (35 μl) or in mini drops (7 μl). Embryo quality on day-2 and day-3 and blastocyst formation rate on day-5 were evaluated.

Results

No statistically significant difference in terms of embryo quality was detected comparing embryos cultured either in large (35 μl) or small (15 μl) drops until blastocyst stage. Similarly, no difference appeared between large (35 μl) or mini (7 μl) drops until day-3, however a significantly higher blastocyst formation rate was observed in mini (7 μl) drops on day-5.

Conclusions

Reduced culture volume seems not to influence early embryo development but a reduction of medium appears to positively affect blastocyst development. This supports the hypothesis that the pre-implantation embryo produces autocrine factors which exert a positive effect on embryo development when culture is performed in a reduced volume.

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Title: Improved blastocyst formation with reduced culture volume: comparison of three different culture conditions on 1128 sibling human zygotes
Authors: Maria Giulia Minasi
Gemma Fabozzi
Valentina Casciani
Anna Maria Lobascio
Alessandro Colasante
Filomena Scarselli
Ermanno Greco
Publication date: 01-02-2015
Publisher: Springer US
Published in: Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics / Issue 2/2015
Print ISSN: 1058-0468
Electronic ISSN: 1573-7330
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10815-014-0399-5

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Improved blastocyst formation with reduced culture volume: comparison of three different culture conditions on 1128 sibling human zygotes

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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