Developmental competence of human embryos derived from in vitro maturation of immature oocytes retrieved during cesarean section

Abstract

Aim: To investigate the developmental competence of human embryos that originated from in vitro matured oocytes retrieved during cesarean section. Methods: Immature oocytes were collected from 95 pregnant women, who underwent cesarean section at Buddhachinaraj Hospital Medical School and consented to participate in the study. Retrieved oocytes were cultured in blastocyst medium supplemented with 75 IU/L of human menopausal gonadotropin. Oocyte maturation was assessed at 30 and 48 h after culture. In vitro matured oocytes were inseminated by intracytoplasmic sperm injection and cultured up to 144 h. The fertilization, cleavage and blastocyst formation rates were observed. Results: Maturation rate of oocytes after 30 h of culture was 67.9% compared with 13.1% at 48 h (P < 0.0001). Insemination of oocytes in both groups resulted in similar fertilization, cleavage and blastocyst formation rates. Conclusion: A large proportion of oocytes retrieved at the time of cesarean section exhibited the capacity to undergo maturation in vitro. They can be fertilized and developed into good-quality blastocyst stage. © 2014 Japan Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology.