Human embryo development and assessment of viability

Abstract

The preimplantation period of human embryo development is remarkable and characterized by successive changes in terms of genetic control, morphology and physiology. This first week of life occurs within the lumen of the female reproductive tract, where the embryo is bathed in specifically created fluids, which change in composition along the oviduct and uterus. Hence, it is only at implantation when the embryo becomes physically associated with the mother. Through analysis of such fluids, more physiological culture media were developed, leading to improvements in our ability to culture embryos, and hence to increases in human IVF success. Importantly, several key morphological and metabolic ..