Release of norepinephrine from human ovary: coupling to steroidogenic response.

We investigated the possibility that norepinephrine from the human ovary is released after nerve stimulation and that this neurotransmitter is coupled to a steroidogenic response. Biologically significant levels of both norepinephrine and dopamine were found in human ovarian biopsies. [3H]norepinephrine incorporated in vitro was readily released by electrical stimulation in a Ca2+-dependent process.

Effect of copper ion on the motility, viability, acrosome reaction and fertilizing capacity of human spermatozoa in vitro.

The objective of this study is to provide additional information on the effect of copper ion (Cu2+) in preventing pregnancy. Human spermatozoa, selected by the swim-up method, were incubated for 0, 5 or 24 h in the presence of 10 ng, 1 microgram, 10 micrograms or 100 micrograms of Cu2+ mL-1 in BWW culture medium, and then evaluated in terms of their motility, viability, acrosome reaction (AR) and the capacity to penetrate zona-free hamster eggs. AR and penetration in zona-free hamster eggs were assessed at 5 h of incubation.

First pregnancies and livebirths from transfer of sodium alginate encapsulated embryos in a rodent model.

Objective: To determine the effect of sodium alginate encapsulation of rodent embryos on in vitro embryonic cleavage rates, implantation rates, and livebirth rates, and to find the in vivo degradation time for the capsules.

Design: Studies were conducted using both CB6F1 mice and Golden Syrian hamsters.

Results: Capsules made with 3.

[Simplified management of an in vitro fertilization program].

The development of in vitro fertilization has accelerated in a dramatic way the understanding on gamete physiology. Results obtained with the technique are easily reproducible and consistent between different centers. It is well known that cumulative pregnancy rates with 5 or 6 cycles can reach up to 60% of couples being pregnant.

Pregnancy rate in an oocyte donation program.

Oocyte donation programs offer an alternative treatment for infertile women with ovarian failure or abnormal ovarian function. Seventeen cycles of in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer with donated oocytes were performed in 13 women, with a mean age of 34.8 years.