Article
Comparison of effects of zona drilling by non-contact infrared laser or acid Tyrode's on the development of human biopsied embryos as revealed by blastomere viability, cytoskeletal analysis and molecular cytogenetics

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Abstract

Use of a non-contact infrared laser (IRL) or acid Tyrode's for zona drilling before embryo biopsy was compared by assessing blastomere viability using various fluorescent markers or culture of the single biopsied blastomere, and, by cytoskeletal and molecular cytogenetic analysis of the biopsied embryos following culture to the blastocyst stage. There was no significant difference in the proportion of biopsied embryos that showed no damage in both the biopsied blastomere and in the remaining embryo (acid Tyrode's: 75% versus IRL: 68%), or in the proportion of single biopsied blastomeres that divided in culture (P > 0.05). However, single biopsied blastomeres from laser drilled embryos showed a greater tendency to form miniblastocysts. The proportion of laser or acid Tyrode's biopsied embryos that reached the blastocyst stage by day 6 was similar, although evident earlier (day 5) in the laser biopsied embryos. Spindle abnormalities at the blastocyst stage included tripolar and tetrapolar spindles, but their incidence was not significantly different from controls. In addition, no significant difference was observed in the incidence of chromosomal abnormalities and mosaicism between the two groups. It is concluded that using an IRL at a safe working distance does not cause adverse immediate or longer term effects on the development of human biopsied embryos, although damage can occur if drilling within this distance is unavoidable. Acid Tyrode's drilling can also cause damage, and tended to retard blastocyst development.

Section snippets

Having completed her preliminary education in Greece with distinction, Dr Chatzimeletiou was awarded a BSc (Hons) Degree in Biological Sciences from the University of Essex, an MSc with distinction in Human Reproductive Biology from Imperial College School of Medicine at Hammersmith Hospital in London, and a PhD in Preimplantation Genetics and Embryology from the University of Leeds. She was appointed as a Research Assistant in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at St Thomas' Hospital

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    Having completed her preliminary education in Greece with distinction, Dr Chatzimeletiou was awarded a BSc (Hons) Degree in Biological Sciences from the University of Essex, an MSc with distinction in Human Reproductive Biology from Imperial College School of Medicine at Hammersmith Hospital in London, and a PhD in Preimplantation Genetics and Embryology from the University of Leeds. She was appointed as a Research Assistant in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at St Thomas' Hospital in London and she is currently the molecular cytogenetic laboratory manager, responsible for the preimplantation genetic screening programme, at the London Bridge Fertility Gynaecology and Genetics Centre. Her research interests include chromosomal and cytoskeletal abnormalities in human embryos, stem cells, prenatal and preimplantation genetic diagnosis.

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