Human Reproduction Update, Vol.9, No.5 pp.463-470, 2003
© European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology 2003; all rights reserved
Embryology |
Oocyte freezing: here to stay?
1 Infertility Centre, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Ghent University Hospital, De Pintelaan 185/2P3, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium
To whom correspondence should be addressed at: Josiane Van der Elst, Infertility Centre, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Ghent University Hospital, De Pintelaan 185/2P3, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium e-mail: Josiane.Vanderelst{at}UGent.be
Abstract
Oocyte freezing is an established technology but, in contrast to embryo freezing, it has very limited application in clinical IVF programmes. Is there a chance that oocyte freezing will become an integrated routine in assisted reproductive technology? The delicate cytological architecture of the oocyte with a cold-sensitive spindle and a hardening zona have made the frozen oocyte ‘unwanted’ in assisted reproductive technology. Nevertheless, empirical improvements in freezing protocols and the use of ICSI for fertilization have led to an increasing number of live births. This mitigates against a simple ban on oocyte freezing. While efficiency of oocyte freezing can certainly be further improved by basic research, it is clear that there are humanitarian reasons for considering oocyte freezing as a future fully utilized assisted reproductive technology. The storage of the female genome as a particulate entity can provide an alternative in case of moral, ethical, legal or religious concerns about embryo freezing. Oocyte freezing can also offer hope for oocyte donation and preservation of fertility for women facing ovarian loss. The message is one of cautious optimism when looking for a place for oocyte freezing in routine assisted reproductive technology.
Key words: dimethylsulphoxide / ICSI / oocyte banking / oocyte cryopreservation / 1,2-propanediol
CiteULike 
Connotea 
Del.icio.us What's this?
This article has been cited by other articles:
|
|
 |
|
  E. Van den Abbeel, U. Schneider, J. Liu, Y. Agca, J. K Critser, and A. Van Steirteghem Osmotic responses and tolerance limits to changes in external osmolalities, and oolemma permeability characteristics, of human in vitro matured MII oocytes Hum. Reprod., July 1, 2007; 22(7): 1959 - 1972. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]
|
|
|
|
 |
|
 T. Forges, P. Monnier-Barbarino, B. Leheup, and P. Jouvet Pathophysiology of impaired ovarian function in galactosaemia Hum. Reprod. Update, September 1, 2006; 12(5): 573 - 584. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]
|
|
|
|
|
|
J. Donnez, B. Martinez-Madrid, P. Jadoul, A. Van Langendonckt, D. Demylle, and M.-M. Dolmans Ovarian tissue cryopreservation and transplantation: a review Hum. Reprod. Update, September 1, 2006; 12(5): 519 - 535. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]
|
|
|
|
|
|
Y. Ghetler, S. Yavin, R. Shalgi, and A. Arav The effect of chilling on membrane lipid phase transition in human oocytes and zygotes Hum. Reprod., December 1, 2005; 20(12): 3385 - 3389. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]
|
|
|
|
|
|
S.-U. Chen, Y.-R. Lien, H.-F. Chen, L.-J. Chang, Y.-Y. Tsai, and Y.-S. Yang Observational clinical follow-up of oocyte cryopreservation using a slow-freezing method with 1,2-propanediol plus sucrose followed by ICSI Hum. Reprod., July 1, 2005; 20(7): 1975 - 1980. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]
|
|
|
|
|
|
X.Y. Cai, G.A. Chen, Y. Lian, X.Y. Zheng, and H.M. Peng Cryoloop vitrification of rabbit oocytes Hum. Reprod., July 1, 2005; 20(7): 1969 - 1974. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]
|
|
|
|
|
|
K. Lutchman Singh, M. Davies, and R. Chatterjee Fertility in female cancer survivors: pathophysiology, preservation and the role of ovarian reserve testing Hum. Reprod. Update, January 1, 2005; 11(1): 69 - 89. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]
|
|
|
|
|
|
Z.J. Chen, M. Li, Y. Li, L.X. Zhao, R. Tang, Y. Sheng, X. Gao, C.H. Chang, and H.L. Feng Effects of sucrose concentration on the developmental potential of human frozen-thawed oocytes at different stages of maturity Hum. Reprod., October 1, 2004; 19(10): 2345 - 2349. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]
|
|
|
|
|
|
M. Emery, A. Senn, M. Wisard, and M. Germond Ejaculation failure on the day of oocyte retrieval for IVF: Case report Hum. Reprod., September 1, 2004; 19(9): 2088 - 2090. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]
|
|