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Cryopreservation of embryos and ova
S Friedler1, L C Giudice, E J Lamb
1Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Stanford University, California.
Fertility and Sterility
|May 1, 1988
Summary
Cryopreservation techniques for human embryos, particularly for early stages using 1,2-propanediol and sucrose, are improving IVF outcomes. Further research into vitrification and ultrarapid freezing, alongside egg cryopreservation, holds promise for enhanced success rates.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive biology and cryopreservation science.
Background:
- In vitro fertilization (IVF) advancements necessitate effective human embryo cryopreservation.
- Established techniques, initially developed in animal models like mice, form the basis for human applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current methods for human embryo cryopreservation.
- To identify areas for technical development to improve IVF clinical results.
- To discuss the potential and challenges of human ova cryopreservation.
Main Methods:
- Stepwise cooling in 1,2-propanediol with sucrose for early-stage embryos (1-cell to 4-cell).
- Slow cooling using dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) for intermediate-stage embryos.
- Slow cooling in glycerol with rapid thawing for human blastocysts.
Main Results:
- Specific cryopreservation protocols show varying success rates depending on embryo developmental stage.
- Current blastocyst cryopreservation survival rates require improvement to minimize losses.
- Ova cryopreservation success rates remain low, necessitating further development and safety validation.
Conclusions:
- Human embryo cryopreservation significantly enhances IVF clinical outcomes.
- Vitrification and ultrarapid freezing methods show promise for simplified and improved cryopreservation.
- Safe and effective human ova cryopreservation requires further research and validation through animal studies.