One-hundred-and-twenty-three in-vitro fertilization (IVF) cycles were analysed in order to clarify the influence of strictly normal morphology (SNM) of spermatozoa on IVF outcome. SNM was defined using strict criteria according to Kruger with our modifications. The IVF cycles studied were divided into three groups: %SNM less than 12% (13 cycles), 12 less than 40% (68 cycles), greater than or equal to 40% (42 cycles). The cleavage rates per oocyte were higher in the groups with 12-40% and greater than or equal to 40% of %SNM than in the group with %SNM less than 12%. The embryo transfer rate per cycle increased with increasing %SNM. The overall pregnancy rate per cycle increased with increasing %SNM (7.7% in %SNM less than 12%, 22.1% in 12-40% of %SNM, and 40.5% in %SNM greater than or equal to 40%). The ongoing pregnancy rate per cycle also increased with increasing %SNM (7.7% in %SNM less than 12%, 14.7% in 12-40% of %SNM, and 31.0% in %SNM greater than or equal to 40%). The miscarriage rate was lower in %SNM greater than or equal to 40% (23.5%) than in 12-40% of %SNM (33.3%). It was suggested that %SNM is a good predictor of IVF outcome.
We reported previously that serum prepared by delayed centrifugation of whole blood (DC serum), which is used widely in human in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer programs, has a detrimental effect on embryonic development. In an attempt to understand the mode of production of embryo-toxic factors in DC serum, we developed a model in which blood coagulation is initially blocked and later induced. The serum prepared in this fashion from whole blood (WB serum) is detrimental to mouse embryo development, as is DC serum. The toxicity of WB serum appears to derive mainly from the platelet release reaction during blood coagulation. Adenosine diphosphate and/or its degradation products may act directly to impair embryonic development and appear to be the main embryo-toxic substance(s) resulting from the platelet release reaction.
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