Preparation of Gametes, in Vitro Maturation, in Vitro Fertilization, and Embryo Recovery and Transfer

Abstract

Abstract The conditions used for the collection and manipulation of gametes and/or embryos has a significant impact on the subsequent developmental potential of the embryo. It is therefore essential when handling gametes/embryos that factors such as temperature, pH, medium composition, and so forth, are always optimized during collection and handling of embryos to minimize stress. For example, mammalian oocytes and embryos should never be exposed to a medium lacking amino acids (see below). This care to minimize stress is necessary if the handling period is for a very short time (less than 5 min) or chronic (several hours), as the developmental competence of the embryos can be..