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Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics logoLink to Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics
. 2002 Mar;19(3):152–157. doi: 10.1023/A:1014745006944

Pronuclear Abnormalities and Cytoskeletal Organization During Assisted Fertilization in a Patient with Multifollicular Ovarian Response

V Y Rawe 1,, S Kopelman 1, F N Nodar 1, S Brugo Olmedo 1, C F Chillik 1
PMCID: PMC3468260  PMID: 12005312

Abstract

Purpose: To analyze the distribution of α tubulins and acetylated α tubulins and the chromatin configuration in abnormally fertilized zygotes from a patient with a multifollicular ovarian response after in vitro fertilization (IVF) and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI).

Methods: Immunofluorescence and phase contrast microscopy was performed in abnormally fertilized zygotes.

Results: After phase contrast microscopy analysis, immunofluorescence staining was performed in 20 oocytes that developed ≥3 pronuclei (PN) and karyomeres after IVF–ICSI. Around 80% of the abnormal zygotes from IVF were the consequence of monospermic fertilizations. Retention of the second polar body (PB) and the presumptive split of ≥1 PN within the cytoplasm were the main events present in most oocytes after IVF–ICSI.

Conclusions: Fluorescence labeling of selected sperm and oocyte components affords a unique view of abnormal fertilized zygotes. Surprisingly, anomalies detected after IVF–ICSI showed similar etiologies in this special group of zygotes.

Keywords: Abnormal fertilization, immunofluorescence, multifollicular response, poor quality oocytes

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