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Ionophore application for artificial oocyte activation and its potential effect on morphokinetics: a sibling oocyte
Omar Shebl1, Philip Sebastian Trautner1, Sabine Enengl1
1Department of Gynecology, Obstetrics, and Gynecological Endocrinology, Kepler University Hospital, MedCampus IV, Krankenhausstr. 26-30, A-4020, Linz, Upper Austria, Austria.
Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics
|October 13, 2021
Summary
Ionophore application in artificial oocyte activation improves fertilization and blastocyst utilization rates without negatively impacting embryo development or cleavage timing. This method enhances key IVF outcomes for patients with fertilization challenges.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Medicine
- Embryology
- In Vitro Fertilization
Background:
- Artificial oocyte activation is crucial for overcoming fertilization failure in IVF.
- Ionophores are commonly used to induce calcium oscillations mimicking natural fertilization.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the impact of ionophore (calcimycin) application on embryo morphokinetics during artificial oocyte activation.
- To evaluate changes in fertilization, utilization, pregnancy, and live birth rates.
Main Methods:
- Prospective study using a sibling oocyte approach in 78 ICSI patients.
- Half of MII-oocytes treated with ionophore post-ICSI; others served as controls.
- Analysis of morphokinetics, cleavage patterns, and reproductive outcomes.
Main Results:
- Ionophore treatment led to significantly earlier pronuclear formation (t2PNa) and synchronized third cell cycle (s3).
- No significant effect on irregular cleavage rates.
- Improved fertilization (P<.01) and blastocyst utilization (P<.05) rates observed.
Conclusions:
- Ionophore application at the oocyte stage is safe for embryo development.
- It does not negatively influence cleavage timing or lead to irregular cleavages.
- This technique enhances key IVF success indicators.
