Key elements of a highly efficient intracytoplasmic sperm injection technique: Ca2+ fluxes and oocyte cytoplasmic dislocation

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 1995

Authors

Tesarik, J (Author) Other; sousa, m (Author) ICBAS

Journal

Title: Fertility and Sterility

Vol. 64

Pages: 770-776

ISSN: 0015-0282

Publisher: Elsevier

Indexing

Scopus - 93 Citations

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-008-QAV

Abstract (EN): Objective: To analyze the mechanism by which modifications of the intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) technique influence success rates. Design: Prospective clinical study supplemented with an experimental analysis of Ca2+ fluxes provoked by the injection procedure. Setting: Private hospital and public research center. Patients: Patients treated by IVF and ICSI. Interventions: Intracytoplasmic sperm injection. Main Outcome Measures: Fertilization and pregnancy rates and intracellular free Ca2+ concentration. Results: The inclusion of vigorous aspiration of oocyte cytoplasm improved outcomes of ICSI. In a series of 100 consecutive cases treated with this technique, the fertilization and pregnancy rates were 87% of total metaphase II oocytes injected and 52% of total treatment cycles, respectively. Enhanced Ca2+ influx into the injected oocytes and dislocation of the oocyte cytoplasm, including the development of a focus of persistent Ca2+ discharge around the injected sperm head, were the main characteristics of this highly successful technique. Conclusions: Vigorous aspiration of oocyte cytoplasm may facilitate fertilization after ICSI by increasing the oocyte Ca2+ load at the time of injection, by establishing a more intimate contact of the injected sperm head with oocyte intracellular Ca2+ stores, or by a conjunction of these mechanisms.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific