BACKGROUND The negative impact of rising progesterone levels on pregnancy rates is well known, but data on mature oocyte yield are conflicting. We examined whether delaying the oocyte maturation trigger in IVF/ICSI affected the number of mature oocytes and investigated the potential influence of serum progesterone levels in this process. METHODS Between January 31, 2011, and December 31, 2011...

The IVM of canine oocytes is characterized by low rates of metaphase II. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of hCG on meiotic development of canine oocytes for culture periods up to 96 h. Oocytes were collected after ovariohysterectomy. Only oocytes >110 microm in diameter, with a homogeneous dark cytoplasm and three or more layers of compact cumulus cells were used. For IV...

OBJECTIVE This paper aims to assess a qualitative aspect of ovarian response in terms of metaphase II oocytes according to different serum Anti-Müllerian hormone levels in antagonist ICSI cycles. A prediction index might contribute to the individualization of care. METHODS This observational study looked into 287 antagonist ICSI cycles carried out with patients treated in a single center betw...

OBJECTIVE To investigate the effects of ovarian endometrioma on the number of oocytes retrieved for in vitro fertilization (IVF). BACKGROUND The presence of endometrioma may be the most important predictor of a poor reproductive outcome. Literature data suggest that ovarian endometriomas might affect the response to ovarian stimulation and oocyte retrieval. METHODS The present retrospective...

Immature oocytes become fertilisable eggs through a process called meiotic maturation, which is often induced by specific hormones. Oocyte maturation involves the activation of various signal transduction pathways that converge to activate maturation-promoting factor (MPF); this is a key activity that catalyses entry into M-phase of meiosis I and meiosis II. Whereas the function of MPF in promo...

Objective The objective of this study was to evaluate LH/FSH and demographic variables on maturation stage of oocytes in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) with or without insulin resistance. MaterialsAndMethods Sixty patients with IVF/ICSI indication were subdivided into 3 groups as follow: 20 subjects were assigned to control (fertile women with male infertility history) group, 20...

1. Mammalian eggs are arrested at metaphase of their second meiotic division when ovulated and remain arrested until fertilized. The sperm delivers into the egg phospholipase C (PLC) zeta, which triggers a series of Ca(2+) spikes lasting several hours. The Ca(2+) spikes provide the necessary and sufficient trigger for all the events of fertilization, including exit from metaphase II arrest and ...