X-Message-Number: 12303
Date: Sun, 22 Aug 1999 05:08:48 -0700 (PDT)
From: Doug Skrecky <>
Subject: vitrification of human embryos

Authors
  Mukaida T.  Wada S.  Takahashi K.  Pedro PB.  An TZ.  Kasai M.
Institution
  Hiroshima HART Clinic, Japan.
Title
  Vitrification of human embryos based on the assessment of suitable conditions
  for 8-cell mouse embryos.
Source
  Human Reproduction.  13(1O):2874-9, 1998 Oct.
Abstract
  Experiments were conducted to find a suitable cryoprotectant and suitable
  procedure for vitrification of 8-cell mouse embryos. The method was then
  applied clinically to the cryopreservation of human embryos in our assisted
  reproduction programme. Mouse embryos were vitrified with 30 or 40%
  1,2-propanediol (PROH), dimethylsulphoxide (DMSO), ethylene
  glycol, glycerol, or acetamide, each diluted with a solution
  containing 30% Ficoll plus 0.5 M sucrose. Embryos were exposed to the
  solutions for 0.5 or 2 min at 20 or 25 degrees C, cooled in liquid nitrogen
  and warmed rapidly. Embryo survival was assessed by in-vitro development. In
  PROH-, DMSO- and acetamide-based solutions, higher survival rates (29-82%)
  were obtained with less permeating conditions, suggesting that these
  cryoprotectants are considerably toxic. In glycerol- and ethylene
  glycol-based solutions, however, higher survival rates (74
  and 92% respectively) were obtained with more permeating conditions,
  suggesting that these cryoprotectants are less toxic. Human embryos on days
  2-3 were vitrified in an ethylene glycol-based solution
  (EFS40). Survival, assessed by the morphology, was higher in 4-cell embryos
  on day 2 and 8-cell embryos on day 3 than in 2-3-cell embryos on day 2 or
  2-7-cell embryos on day 3. From 18 transfers, one ended with the delivery of
  healthy twin babies.

Rate This Message: http://www.cryonet.org/cgi-bin/rate.cgi?msg=12303