Analysis of Zona Pellucida of Oocytes and Embryos inIVF Programme

Overview

Objective:
Our aim was to design simple method for quantitative evaluation of oocyte and embryomorphology in in vitro fertilization (IVF) programme efforting of embryo implantation predictionto be able to set the optimal number of embryos for transfer for given specific case. This studydeals with zona pellucida (ZP) – the one interesting and for oocyte unique structure. The work isthe part of comprehensive research of oocyte, zygote and embryo morphology.Design: Prospektive study.Setting: Center of Assisted Reproduction, Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, MedicalFaculty of Charles University, Pilsen.Methods: The study includes analysis of 66 microphotography pictures of oocytes, zygotes andembryos of patients who were treated by IVF on our department between September and December2000. The microphotographs were taken by digital microphotographic system. Analysis of zona pellucida parameters was conducted by image analysis software called AnalySIS, Soft ImagingSystem GmbH.Results: It was found out the average widht of the zona pellucida 18.4 mm ± 2.1 mm, the minimumwidth was 12.3 mm a maximum 23.1 mm.Conclusion: There was found significant narrower zona pellucida in women who conceived in thisIVF cycle then in the women who did not.

Key words:
zona pellucida, oocyte, in vitro fertilization, infertility