[Analysis of the zona pellucida in human oocytes and embryos in an assisted reproduction program].

Objective: Our aim was to design simple method for quantitative evaluation of oocyte and embryo morphology in in vitro fertilization (IVF) programme efforting of embryo implantation prediction to be able to set the optimal number of embryos for transfer for given specific case. This study deals with zona pellucida (ZP)--the one interesting and for oocyte unique structure. The work is the part of comprehensive research of oocyte, zygote and embryo morphology.

Endometriosis in reproductive immunology.

Problem: Endometriosis is suggested to represent an autoimmune disorder, but what is the prevalence of autoantibodies to antigens relevant to reproduction?

Method Of Study: The humoral immune response to the women with endometriosis (stage I-II: 261 women; stage III-IV: 62 women) in serum and in peritoneal fluid was investigated compared with 101 healthy women. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used in all the women for the detection of seven antiphospholipid antibodies [antiphospholipid antibodies (aPLs) against cardiolipin, L-phosphatidyl (ph)-serine, ph-glycerol, ph-inositol, ph-ethanolamine, phosphatidic (ph)-acid and against beta2-glycoprotein I] of class IgG, IgA, and IgM. A passive haemmagglutination method and ELISA (BioGen) was used for assessment of antizona pellucida antibodies (aZP), tray agglutination test (TAT) and indirect mixed anti-imunoglobulin reaction test (MAR-test) for the determination of sperm antibody levels.

[Fructose and glucose in follicular fluid and serum of women undergoing stimulation in an in vitro fertilization program].

Objective: To find out if there is some amount of fructose in the follicular fluid of IVF stimulated patients. If so then to compare fructose and glucose levels with IVF outcome, type of stimulation and infertility factors.

Design: Retrospective study.

[Monitoring immunity factors in serum and peritoneal fluid after laparoscopy in women. II. Sperm and zona pellucida antibodies].

A team of authors investigated antibody levels against spermatozoa and against the zona pellucida in sera and peritoneal fluids in infertile women where diagnostic laparoscopy was indicated. The immunological cause of infertility was diagnosed in some women with a normal laparoscopic finding on the inner genital, as well as in patients with endometriosis and in women with adhesions. A minimal antibody response to antigens of gametes was recorded in women with the diagnosis of uterus myomatosus, uterus hypoplasticus and polycystic ovary.