Environment of the preimplantation human embryo in vivo: Metabolite analysis of oviduct and uterine fluids and metabolism of cumulus cells

Abstract

Objective: To determine the levels of metabolites surrounding the human oocyte and embryo in vivo. Design: Oviduct and uterine fluids were collected throughout the menstrual cycle. Cumulus cells were collected at oocyte retrieval and their production of metabolites was assessed. Samples were analyzed for pyruvate, lactate, and glucose by microfluorimetry. Patients: Luminal fluids were collected from naturally cycling patients at the time of routine clinical investigation. Patient consent and hospital ethics approval were obtained for this study. Results: Pyruvate in the oviduct did not vary with the day of cycle, the mean value was 0.24 mM. Lactate and glucose concentrations varied with the ..