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PubMed1991

Cannabinoids inhibit fertilization in sea urchins by reducing the fertilizing capacity of sperm.

Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), cannabidiol (CBD), and cannabinol (CBN) inhibit fertilization in the sea urchin Strongylocentrotus purpuratus by reducing the fertilizing capacity of the sperm. Sperm fertility depends upon their motility, and their capacity to undergo the acrosome reaction upon encountering a specific ligand derived from the egg's jelly coat. The acrosome reaction involves exocytosis of the acrosomal granule at the apex of the sperm head and elongation of the acrosomal filament. This process exposes the sperm membrane that will attach to and fuse with the egg. Pretreatment of sperm with THC prevents the triggering of the acrosome reaction by solubilized egg jelly in a dose and time dependent manner. Motility of THC-treated sperm is not reduced compared to control sperm in sea water or vehicle dissolved in sea water. The adverse effects of THC on the acrosome reaction and sperm-fertilizing capacity are reversible. Studies with ionophores suggest that THC blocks the acrosome reaction by affecting event(s) in the stimulation-secretion coupling mechanism in the sperm preceding the opening of ion channels. Ultrastructural studies show that THC, CBD and CBN block the membrane fusion reaction between the sperm's plasma membrane and the acrosomal membrane that normally is elicited in response to stimulation by egg jelly to initiate the acrosome reaction. However, lipid deposits are found in the subacrosomal and centriolar fossae of cannabinoid treated sperm. The nuclear envelope is fragmented in close proximity to the lipid deposits within the subacrosomal fossa. These morphological observations suggest that cannabinoids may activate phospholipase(s) within the sperm. Biochemical studies show that THC activates phospholipase A2 activity in sperm homogenates.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Acrosome↗
PubMed2004

Sperm chromatin structure assay (SCSA) parameters are related to fertilization, blastocyst development, and ongoing pregnancy in in vitro fertilization and intracytoplasmic sperm injection cycles.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the relationship between sperm chromatin structure assay (SCSA) parameters (DNA fragmentation index [DFI] and high DNA stainability [HDS]), and conventional IVF and IVF/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) outcomes. DESIGN: Retrospective review and prospective study. SETTING: Private IVF clinic. PATIENT(S): Two hundred forty-nine couples undergoing first IVF and/or ICSI cycle. INTERVENTION(S): IVF, ICSI, blastocyst culture. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): DFI, HDS, conventional semen parameters, IVF, ICSI. RESULT(S): IVF and ICSI fertilization rates were not statistically different between high- and low-DFI groups. More men with > or =15% HDS had lower (<25% and <50%) IVF fertilization rates. High DNA stainability was not related to ICSI fertilization rates. High DNA stainability did not affect blastocyst rates or pregnancy outcomes. Men with > or =30% DFI were at risk for low blastocyst rates (<30%) and no ongoing pregnancies. Men with > or =30% DFI had more male factors. World Health Organization thresholds were not predictive of ongoing pregnancy. CONCLUSION(S): The relationship between HDS and poor IVF fertilization rates provides preliminary evidence that ICSI may be indicated in men with > or =15% HDS. Men with high levels of DNA fragmentation (> or =30% DFI) were at greater risk for low blastocyst rates and failure to initiate an ongoing pregnancy. The SCSA provides valuable prognostic information to physicians counseling couples before IVF and/or ICSI cycles.

Blastocyst↗
PubMed2005

In vitro fertilization as a predictor of fertility from cervical insemination of sheep.

The objective of this study was to determine if the quality of frozen-thawed ram semen could be effectively evaluated through in vitro fertilization (IVF) procedures prior to insemination as a means of improving pregnancy rate. In experiment 1, frozen semen from four Belclare rams was assessed using IVF and was used for cervical insemination of ewes (n = 181) in 13 pedigree Belclare flocks. There was a significant association between IVF score (proportion of oocytes cleaved at 48 h post insemination) and non-return rate (P < 0.001). For experiment 2, semen from nine Belclare rams was evaluated by IVF and semen from rams with the highest (n = 3) and lowest (n = 2) IVF scores was used for cervical insemination of ewes (n = 111) under experimental conditions. Differences in pregnancy rates between individual rams did not reach significance. Experiment 3 was designed to determine if differences detected between rams at field level could be accurately identified via IVF evaluation and involved frozen semen from eight Norwegian rams of known field fertility (non-return rates ranged from 45.7 to 73.8%). IVF score did not reflect the differences in field fertility. In the final experiment six of the eight Norwegian rams involved in experiment 3 were selected based on IVF score (three highest and three lowest) and their semen was used for cervical insemination (n = 90 ewes). While significant differences in pregnancy rate were found between individual rams (P < 0.02, range: 12.9-65.8%) they were not associated with IVF score. Ewe breed had a significant effect (P < 0.003) on pregnancy rate in both experiments 2 and 4. In conclusion, there was no evidence from this study that the evaluation of semen quality through IVF provided a useful predictor of pregnancy rate under field conditions. It may be that the IVF procedures as used routinely, which are essentially designed to maximize blastocyst yields rather than for detecting differences in fertilizing ability between batches of sperm, need to be modified.

Animals↗
PubMed2001

Concentrations of angiogenic factors in follicular fluid and oocyte-cumulus complex culture medium from women undergoing in vitro fertilization: association with oocyte maturity and fertilization.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the concentration of angiogenic factors (vascular endothelial growth factor [VEGF], basic fibroblast growth factor [bFGF], and angiogenin) in the follicular fluid (FF) and oocyte-cumulus complex culture medium (CM) of women undergoing IVF and to investigate the association of the concentrations with the maturity and fertilization of the oocyte. DESIGN: Prospective study. SETTING: Academic tertiary-care institution. PATIENT(S): IVF patients with unexplained or tubal factor infertility. INTERVENTION(S): Analysis of VEGF, bFGF, and angiogenin FF and CM concentrations. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Oocyte maturity and fertilization and FF and CM angiogenic factor concentrations. RESULT(S): VEGF, bFGF, and angiogenin were determined in FF and CM. FF angiogenin concentrations were significantly higher when the oocyte was mature versus immature. CM VEGF concentrations were significantly higher when the oocyte was nonfertilized versus fertilized. Positive correlations were observed between angiogenic factors in CM. CONCLUSION(S): VEGF, bFGF, and angiogenin (determined for the first time) are secreted in the FF and CM. Elevated CM VEGF concentrations, probably implying oocyte-cumulus complex hypoxia, are negatively associated with oocyte fertilization. Elevated FF angiogenin concentrations are positively associated with oocyte maturity, possibly indicating angiogenin's biological role beyond neovascularization.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

Influence of smoking on fertility in women attending an in vitro fertilization program.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the influence of cigarette smoking of women on the fertilization and pregnancy rates obtained by IVF treatment. PATIENTS: One hundred ninety-seven infertile, otherwise healthy women who entered an IVF program for the first time. SETTING: Fertility unit at the Women's University hospital of the University of Ulm, Ulm, Germany. INTERVENTIONS: The study population consisted of 197 women (23 to 39 years old) who were divided into the following groups: nonsmokers (n = 68), passive smokers (n = 26), and active smokers (n = 103) according to the cotinine concentration measured in follicular fluid. The reason for infertility was strictly a tubal factor with apparently normal ovulatory cycles. To guarantee an objective recording of tobacco smoke exposure, the smoking habit was not determined by questionnaires, but by cotinine, the principal metabolite of nicotine. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in fertilization and pregnancy rates between the different groups. The E2 serum levels were decreased significantly in women who smoked when compared with the results obtained from nonsmokers and passive smokers. Overall, a strong negative correlation of the cotinine and E2 levels was observed (r = -0.65). CONCLUSION: The results suggest that there is no clinically detectable impairment of fertilization potential due to female smoking and that there is a greater influence on the outcome of IVF by other factors.

Adult↗
PubMed1998

Exogenous influences on human fertility: fluctuations in sperm parameters and results of in-vitro fertilization coincide with conceptions in the normal population.

Intra- and interindividual short-term fluctuations of sperm parameters were observed in assisted reproduction patients, paralleled by respective fluctuations of the in-vitro fertilization (IVF) results. To test whether the fertility fluctuations observed in the clinic were representative for the overall population, birth statistics of two normal subpopulations (urban and rural) were studied. There were highly significant parallels in the fluctuations of the monthly deliveries in both normal subpopulations. Also, there was a significant correlation when the fluctuation of sperm parameters in IVF patients was compared with those of a control group. Furthermore, delivery fluctuations in the overall population were significantly paralleled by fluctuations in sperm parameters and IVF results around the conception time of these deliveries. In all groups, the pattern and amplitude of the short-term fluctuations varied from year to year. Frequently observed peaks in late autumn gave rise to the appearance of a semi-seasonal variation in fertility. The existence of an external influence on overall male gamete quality must be postulated, which has considerable influence on the IVF results. This short-term influence might be causally linked to the factors responsible for the previously found annual variation in human fertility and possibly for the long-term changes in human reproductive function.

Birth Rate↗
PubMed1992

Teenage pregnancy and fertility in New South Wales: an examination of fertility trends, abortion and birth outcomes.

This paper reviews the data available in New South Wales on teenage fertility rates and pregnancy outcomes. Teenage births comprise six per cent of all births in New South Wales, but they constitute a significant public health problem because they are associated with elevated rates of adverse pregnancy outcomes, which include low birthweight, perinatal death and pre-eclampsia. Risk is concentrated in females under 18 years of age. Pregnancy outcomes for females aged 18 to 19 years are similar to those of women aged 20 to 24 years. Teenage fertility rates have remained stable since the mid-1980s, following a decline which began in the early 1970s. There are large geographic variations in teenage fertility within the state, with the highest rates in the far west of New South Wales and in western Sydney. Teenage pregnancy in New South Wales (as distinct from fertility which reflects births) cannot be assessed accurately because of the lack of information on terminations of pregnancy. However, available data suggest that teenage pregnancy rates have not increased during the 1980s.

Abortion, Induced↗
PubMed1993

[An application of in vitro fertilization--embryo culture--embryo transfer system on the drug safety evaluation: fertility test of male mice administered with the anticancer drug].

We examined an application of in vitro fertilization--embryo culture--embryo transfer system for reproductive and developmental study on the drug safety evaluation in mice. The male mice at 10 weeks of age were administered intravenously with a single dose of 75 mg/kg of the anticancer platinum complex (DWA 2114R) which inhibits DNA synthesis. Four to six weeks after administration, the males were mated with the superovulated females. Fertilization rates were significantly lower than the controls at each weeks after the administration. Furthermore, delayed formation of pronucleus was observed as compared with the control. Four weeks after administration, the preimplantation development to blastocyst stage of those embryos in vitro and the survival rates on the day 17 of gestation after embryo transfer suggested that a DNA synthesis in germ cells during maturation was inhibited and/or prevented by DWA 2114R. The results of in vitro fertilization reflected its sperm concentration rather than the administration of DWA 2114R. Thus, an analysis of the delayed formation of pronucleus observed fertilization in vivo could not done in detail. To use for the drug safety evaluation, there exist plenty of room for improvement in this system. These results have showed that the embryo culture and the embryo transfer are useful techniques as the reproductive and developmental study on the drug safety evaluation. These techniques bring additional informations on the pre- and post-implantation development in vivo.

Animals↗
PubMed1991

The ultrastructure of human cumulus-corona cells at the time of fertilization and early embryogenesis. A scanning and transmission electron microscopic study in an in vitro fertilization program.

We observed the ultrastructure of the cumulus-corona cells (CC cells) surrounding: 1) human preovulatory oocytes unfertilized after in vitro insemination and 2) in vitro-fertilized polypronuclear ova (PO) at the pronuclear stage (3 pronuclei) and during early cleavage, at the 3-8 cell stage (cleaving PO). All the samples were obtained from women who underwent pharmacological hormonal stimulation during in vitro-fertilization procedures. Both cell groups were composed of irregularly rounded CC cells, showing an oval nucleus with one or more reticular nucleoli. Spermatozoa in close contact with CC cells were also seen. Linear and annular gap junctions between neighbouring cells were present, particularly in Group 1. Lipid droplets were present in both groups, appearing slightly more numerous and electron-dense in Group 2. In Group 1, mitochondria were numerous, polymorphic, and provided with cristae varying from lamellar to tubular. In Group 2, mitochondria also showed polymorphism, with bacilliform organelles with tubular cristae being predominant. In both groups cisternae and associated vacuoles and vesicles belonging to the Golgi complex were scattered in the cytoplasm of CC cells. Similarly, tubular and vesicular profiles of smooth endoplasmic reticulum were abundant and uniformly distributed throughout the cytoplasm of CC cells of both groups. In contrast, the abundant rough endoplasmic reticulum in Group 1 was formed by parallel stacks of flattened cisternae, whereas it was less plentiful and not arranged in stacks in Group 2. The CC-cell surface appeared covered by numerous membrane expansions in both groups. The expansions in Group 1 were mainly composed of blebs of various sizes and a few short microvilli, whereas in Group 2 numerous microvilli covered the cell surface. These observations demonstrate that a gradual establishment and maintainance of a steroidosynthetic capability (luteinization) takes place in CC cells, particularly during and shortly after fertilization, as occurs contemporaneously in the granulosa cells of the postovulatory follicle. Our results may be considered as ultrastructural confirmation of the capability of the CC cells to produce small amounts of steroids (estrogens and mainly progesterone). These hormones, alone or together with other substances (proteins, nutrients, growth factors?), might--around the fertilization time--act positively upon the early embryo itself, as well as on the microenvironment in which the embryo develops, both in vivo and in vitro conditions.

Cell Membrane↗
PubMed1992

Emergence of fertility differentials as evidence of fertility decline in India.

"A review of major studies on fertility concludes that it is only from the late 1960s that movement from the stage of uncontrolled fertility to the stage of controlled fertility leading to the emergence of socio-economic differentials in fertility seems to have really gotten underway in India. This process appears to have been accelerated during the 1970s and 1980s."

Asia↗
PubMed1998

In vitro maturation and fertilization techniques for assessment of semen quality and boar fertility.

The reliability of using different in vitro-derived measures of sperm quality to predict boar fertility was examined. On three occasions during a 20-wk period of breeding, special collections of the first sperm-rich fraction of the ejaculate from six boars were carried out. After in vitro capacitation procedures, three dilutions (5 x 10(5), 1.25 x 10(5), and 3.125 x 10(4) sperm/mL) of these semen samples were used in a standardized in vitro fertilization (IVF) test with oocytes recovered from prepubertal slaughterhouse ovaries and matured in vitro. Routine assessments of sperm motility, concentration, and morphology were also carried out for all collections used for AI during the 20-wk period. Semen from the same ejaculate, processed according to normal commercial practice using the AndroHEP extender, was used to inseminate equal numbers of recently weaned sows with either 3 x 10(9) or 2 x 10(9) total sperm, three times during the estrous period. Data from a total of 444 sows were used to determine boar fertility; between 12 and 54 sows were bred with each semen dose across the six boars. All measures of sperm fertilizing ability in vitro were different among boars (all P < .05) and use of different semen dilutions for IVF allowed further discrimination of apparent sperm quality among boars. The laboratory evaluation of semen collected during the period of breeding indicated effects of boar on ejaculate volume, total number of sperm per ejaculate, motility, and the percentage of sperm with normal morphology (all P < .01). Sperm dose used in AI had no effect on farrowing rate (80.7 vs 81.5%), but the lower AI dose resulted in a reduction (P < .05) in total numbers born (10.8 vs 10.0). For all three semen dilutions, estimated potential embryo production rate accounted for up to 70% of the variation in litter size obtained with 3 x 10(9) sperm per AI dose, and the number of sperm attached per oocyte was a major factor accounting for variation in litter size obtained with 2 x 10(9) sperm per AI dose. These IVF variables may, therefore, be effective indicators of boar sperm quality for use in AI. With 2 x 10(9) sperm per AI dose, the percentage of sperm with normal morphology also explained a large part of the variance in litter size born (R2 = .59), indicating that morphological characteristics are a useful measure of semen quality.

Animals↗
PubMed1989

[Fertility, employment, and migration. Differential fertility according to migration experience using census data].

Differential fertility in Italy by occupation is analyzed using census data. The author uses the own-children method to develop retrospective estimates of period fertility for women in 1976 and 1981. The occupational status categories used are "employed in the same sector, employed in a different sector, no longer employed, new employed, never employed. A strong relation appears between work status changes and fertility trends: the women who recently obtained a new job touch the lowest level of fertility, while those who left their job reach the highest level." The impact of migration and nuptiality is also considered. (SUMMARY IN ENG AND FRE)

Demography↗
PubMed1992

Natural oocyte retrieval with intravaginal fertilization: a simplified approach to in vitro fertilization.

To simplify in vitro fertilization (IVF), we have combined natural-cycle oocyte retrieval with intravaginal fertilization. Our subjects ranged in age from 28-40 years and were monitored by ultrasound and steroid hormone levels. Oocyte retrieval was carried out under vaginal ultrasound-guided aspiration 32-36 hours after the onset of the LH surge. The oocyte was identified and placed in a sealed capsule containing culture media and sperm. The capsule, in a sealed cryoflex envelope, was placed in the woman's vagina and removed 42-48 hours later. The embryo was then isolated and transferred to the woman's uterus. Fifty-one retrieval cycles were attempted in 45 patients. At least one oocyte was retrieved in 88% of cycles, and fertilization was achieved in 84% of oocytes. Of the five clinical pregnancies (10%), four have delivered and one is ongoing. The cost of this procedure is approximately one-third that of standard IVF. The advantages of our method are the elimination of the use of gonadotropins, the simplicity of monitoring and oocyte retrieval, and the lack of need for expensive laboratory equipment. Natural oocyte retrieval with intravaginal fertilization may prove appropriate for those women requiring IVF who fear multiple pregnancies, have side effects from controlled ovarian hyperstimulation, or cannot afford standard IVF.

Adult↗
PubMed1985

[Correlation between serum prolactin secretion patterns and the ability of fertilization and cleavage of human oocyte (effects of transient hyperprolactinemia on fertilization and cleavage of human oocyte)].

To assess the effect of serum prolactin (PRL) on the fertilization and cleavage of oocytes, its secretion patterns in normoprolactinemic women (28 cases, 35 cycles) who had undergone IVF-ET because of bilateral tubal occlusion and/or severe oligospermia, and the relationship between its levels and the fertilization and cleavage rate were studied. Three serum PRL secretion patterns were observed. In the TIP-O (Transient Increase in serum PRL in the Ovulatory phase) group (7 cycles), the serum PRL was significantly increased in the ovulatory phase compared with the follicular phase. In the TIP-OL (TIP at the Ovulatory and mid-Luteal phase) group (11 cycle), it was significantly increased in both the ovulatory and the mid-Luteal phases, but in the NON-TIP group (17 cycles) there was no significant increase in any phase. The fertilization rate of the TIP-OL group (60.0%) was lower than that of the NON-TIP Group (89.5%) and the TIP-O group (87.5%). The cleavage rate of the TIP-O group (50.0%) was rather lower, and that of TIP-OL group (30.0%) was significantly (p less than 0.05) lower than that of the NON-TIP group (78.9%). These results suggest that transient increase in serum PRL may suppress the ability of fertilization and cleavage of human oocytes.

Adult↗
PubMed1991

Desired and excess fertility in Europe and the United States: indirect estimates from World Fertility Survey data.

This paper presents indirect estimates of desired family size and unwanted births for married and cohabiting women in 12 European countries and the US. An econometric model for censored discrete data is used to estimate the distribution of desired family size from individual observations on children ever-born and total expected births. The data are from the UNECE Comparative Fertility Study of WFS surveys for Europe and the US and originated in national surveys between April 1975-December 1979. Estimates of the bivariate distribution of cumulative and desired fertility are used to compute the proportion of women with excess fertility and the average number of unwanted births for each country. The indirect estimates are compared with those from an analysis of survey responses to questions about desired and unwanted births. Multivariate modes that control for the effects of marriage duration, age at marriage, education, employment status, work experience, and total family income are also reported.

Americas↗
PubMed1990

[The recent evolution of fertility in Italy. An analysis of parity-specific fertility tables].

Using age- and parity-specific fertility tables, the author analyzes the evolution of fertility change in Italy. "The application of this 'multidimensional' (age and parity) approach shows how profound the fertility decline has been, the intensity of the decline being in some way 'hidden' by the impact of past evolution when traditional measures are used." (SUMMARY IN ENG AND SPA)

Age Factors↗
PubMed2003

Fertilization abnormalities following human in vitro fertilization and intracytoplasmic sperm injection.

Fertilization abnormalities are commonly encountered following in vitro fertilization. The widespread introduction of assisted fertilization methods has rapidly led to a changes in both the incidence and types of these aberrations. Such abnormalities can be identified by careful morphological evaluation at the early zygote stage, of pronuclei as well as of polar body formation, and may be confirmed by cytogenetic assessment. The recognition and understanding of fertilization abnormalities have led to the development of novel techniques aimed at preventing them, as well as recent bold attempts at correction. Removal of one pronucleus may allow some triploid embryos to revert to a normal diploid stage. These new developments should provide insight into the understanding of parthenogenesis, androgenesis, and gynogenesis in the human. Microsc. Res. Tech. 61:358-361, 2003.

Chromosome Aberrations↗
PubMed2006

Effect of fertilization antigen (FA-1) DNA vaccine on fertility of female mice.

Vaccination of female mice with recombinant fertilization antigen (FA-1) causes a long-term reversible contraceptive effect. Also, a DNA vaccine based upon a dodecamer sequence YLP(12) present in sperm causes a reduction in fertility. In the present study, the effects of FA-1 DNA vaccine alone, and FA-1 and YLP(12) DNA vaccines together were examined. FA-1 495-bp DNA was cloned into pVAX1 vector to prepare the DNA vaccine. Four groups of female mice were immunized intradermally by using a gene gun with FA-1 DNA, FA-1 DNA + YLP(12) DNA, FA-1 DNA + YLP(12) DNA mixed with exogenous synthetic CpG oliogodeoxynucleotide (ODN), or vector DNA alone, respectively. Vaccination with all three formulations caused a significant reduction in fertility, with FA-1 DNA + YLP(12) DNA mixed with exogenous synthetic CpG ODN showing the highest reduction. Vaccination with all three formulations raised antibody response in both the sera as well as locally in the vaginal tract, with ODN mixed group demonstrating the highest titers. There was no antibody response in the mice injected with the vector alone. In sera, the highest titers were obtained for the IgG class for all vaccine formulations followed by the IgA class. In vaginal washing, the highest titers were obtained by the IgA class followed by the IgG class. Within the IgG class, the titers for the IgG2a subclass were significantly greater than the IgG1 subclass. The immunocontraceptive effects were long-lasting over 1 year of the observation period and increased with time. These novel findings indicate that the intradermal immunization with a sperm-specific FA-1 DNA vaccine causes a long-term circulating and local immune response resulting in immunocontraceptive effects in female mice. The anti-fertility effects were enhanced when FA-1 DNA vaccine was combined with YLP(12) DNA vaccine and injected with ODN.

Animals↗