Contribution of senescence in human endometrial stromal cells during proliferative phase to embryo receptivity†.

Successful assisted reproductive technology pregnancy depends on the viability of embryos and endometrial receptivity. However, the literature has neglected effects of the endometrial environment during the proliferative phase on implantation success or failure. Human endometrial stromal cells (hESCs) were isolated from endometrial tissues sampled at oocyte retrieval during the proliferative phase from women undergoing infertility treatment.

Meiotic spindle size is a strong indicator of human oocyte quality.

Purpose: To investigate the relationship between the meiotic spindle size in human metaphase II oocytes and embryo developmental potential after intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI).

Methods: Analyzed were 1302 oocytes with a visible meiotic spindle from 281 patients aged under 40 years undergoing ICSI cycles. The meiotic spindle was imaged by using PolScope before ICSI.

Amino acid-permeable anion channels in early mouse embryos and their possible effects on cleavage.

Effects of several Cl(-) channel blockers on ionic currents in mouse embryos were studied using whole-cell patch-clamp and microelectrode methods. Microelectrode measurements showed that the resting membrane potential of early embryonic cells (1-cell stage) was -23 mV and that reduction of extracellular Cl(-) concentration depolarized the membrane, suggesting that Cl(-) conductance is a major contributor for establishing the resting membrane potential. Membrane currents recorded by whole-cell voltage clamp showed outward rectification and confirmed that a major component of these embryonic currents are carried by Cl(-) ions.