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A seven-cell human egg recovered from the oviduct
S Avendaño1, H D Croxatto, J Pereda
1Hospital Barros Luco-Truddeau, Universidad de Chile, Santiago.
Fertility and Sterility
|December 1, 1975
Summary
This study describes a seven-cell human egg, aged approximately 72 hours, recovered from the oviduct. Findings suggest early blastomere differentiation, supporting the concept of egg transport with 7-12 blastomeres.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive biology
- Human embryology
- Early human development
Background:
- Understanding early human development is crucial for reproductive medicine.
- Few studies have described human eggs recovered from the oviduct at this specific developmental stage.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe a seven-cell human egg recovered from the oviduct.
- To estimate the developmental age of the recovered egg.
- To analyze early signs of blastomere differentiation.
Main Methods:
- Recovery of a human egg from the oviduct.
- Timing based on intercourse and luteinizing hormone (LH) surge.
- Endometrial and corpus luteum biopsies for age estimation.
- Microscopic analysis of egg size and blastomere reaction to toluidine blue.
Main Results:
- A seven-cell human egg was recovered 83 hours post-intercourse.
- Estimated egg age was approximately 72 hours.
- Blastomere size and toluidine blue staining suggest early differentiation.
Conclusions:
- The recovered egg, at approximately 72 hours, shows signs of early differentiation.
- Findings support the hypothesis that human eggs reach the uterus with 7-12 blastomeres.