Journal of In Vitro Fertilization and Embryo Transfer

Publications in this journal

• Article: Effects of sex steroids on immunoglobulin M production by Epstein-Barr virus-transformed B-cell line SKW6-CL4.

  H Mori, M Sawairi, N Itoh, T Hanabayashi, T Tamaya
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  ABSTRACT: The effects of estradiol (E2), progesterone (P), and testosterone (T) on the production of immunoglobulin (Ig) M by Epstein-Barr virus-transformed B-cell line, SKW6-CL4, were investigated. Interleukin 6 (IL-6) induced IgM production by SKW6-CL4 cells in a dose-dependent manner without any significant increase in thymidine incorporation. E2 at concentrations ranging from 10(-10) to 10(-9) M enhanced IL-6-induced IgM production by SKW6-CL4 cells, whereas E2 at a high concentration of 10(-7) M inhibited both the IgM production and the growth of SKW6-CL4 cells. Time-course studies revealed that E2 acts in the early phase of differentiation of SKW6-CL4 cells in response to IL-6. On the other hand, P and T at physiological and superphysiological levels did not influence either the IgM production or the proliferation of SKW6-CL4 cells. These findings suggest a direct immunoregulatory effect of E2 on human B lineage cells and support the concept that E2 may have a role in the pathogenesis of some autoimmune diseases.
  Journal of In Vitro Fertilization and Embryo Transfer 01/1992; 8(6):329-35.
• Article: Influence of the morphological aspect of embryos obtained by in vitro fertilization on their implantation rate.

  J M Grillo, M Gamerre, O Lacroix, A Noizet, G Vitry
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  ABSTRACT: In a series of 500 transfers of embryos obtained by in vitro fertilization, we examined the implantation rate of 1356 embryos transferred in utero. The average implantation rate per embryo was 15.1% and remained relatively constant, regardless of the number of transferred embryos per patient. The implantation rate per embryo, in relation to its morphology, was clearly lower when irregular blastomeres and fragments were present in the perivitelline area. Other embryos, regardless of their morphology, had an identical development potential. Analysis of the results of this series demonstrates the difficulty of determining the development potential of all the embryos on the basis of morphological criteria.
  Journal of In Vitro Fertilization and Embryo Transfer 01/1992; 8(6):317-21.
• Article: Emotional experiences of in vitro fertilization participants.

  N E Newman, C G Zouves
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  ABSTRACT: Data were collected from self-administered questionnaires returned by 33 female participants and 18 of their partners in the University of British Columbia's in Vitro Fertilization/Gamete Intrafallopian Transfer (IVF/GIFT) Program during a 2-month period. Emotional reactions to each of the stages of IVF/GIFT by treatment phase were measured. Responses were then grouped into the following categories: anxiety, depression, loss of control, and positive feelings. For female participants, anxiety was reported most frequently throughout the treatment process and loss of control was highest following embryo replacement. Male and female participants reported high rates of depression at the completion of the treatment cycle. The findings from this pilot study outline the emotional experiences of male and female participants undergoing IVF/GIFT by treatment phase and indicate their desire for support services.
  Journal of In Vitro Fertilization and Embryo Transfer 01/1992; 8(6):322-8.
• Article: Hysteroscopy in a program of in vitro fertilization.

  M Goldenberg, D Bider, Z Ben-Rafael, J Dor, D Levran, G Oelsner, S Mashiach
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  ABSTRACT: Two hundred twenty-four women underwent hysteroscopic evaluation without anesthesia after at least two failed attempts of in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer. One hundred fifty-three (68%) women were diagnosed as having mechanical infertility, and abnormal hysteroscopic findings were observed in 32 (21%). Forty-one women were diagnosed as having unexplained infertility (18%) and six (15%) had abnormal findings with hysteroscopy. Of the 30 couples who entered the in vitro fertilization regimen program because of male infertility, 4 (13%) had abnormal findings. The overall rate of abnormal findings was 19%; cervical canal and intrauterine abnormalities were found in 10 and 32 patients, respectively. Ten patients were treated during hysteroscopic evaluation procedure, and four patients subsequently underwent operative hysteroscopy under general anesthesia. We suggest that diagnostic hysteroscopy should be a routine procedure before in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer therapy.
  Journal of In Vitro Fertilization and Embryo Transfer 01/1992; 8(6):336-8.
• Article: Efficiency and cost effectiveness of three protocols for gamete transfer.

  S G Awadalla, G W Randall
  Journal of In Vitro Fertilization and Embryo Transfer 01/1992; 8(6):344-8.
• Article: Effects of clomiphene citrate and leuprolide acetate on luteal-phase hyperprolactinemia during ovarian stimulation with menopausal gonadotropins.

  C R Kaplan, M K Koong, D L Olive, R M Riehl, W N Burns, T R Groff, R S Schenken
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  ABSTRACT: Hyperprolactinemia, a known modulator of reproductive function, occurs commonly in women undergoing ovarian stimulation with human menopausal gonadotropins (hMG). Clomiphene citrate (CC) and gonadotropin releasing hormone analogues (GnRHa), when administered during the luteal phase, attenuate the hyperprolactinemic response to hMG. We asked whether follicular-phase administration of CC and GnRHa, as employed clinically in women undergoing ovarian stimulation for in vitro fertilization or gamete intrafallopian transfer, would alter the incidence and severity of hMG-induced luteal-phase hyperprolactinemia. Seventy-five percent of all patients had at least one luteal prolactin level greater than 25 ng/ml, and 40% had mean luteal-phase prolactin levels greater than 25 ng/ml. The incidence of hyperprolactinemia was similar in pregnant and nonpregnant cycles. The incidence of hyperprolactinemia was similar for both the GnRH agonist-treated group and those given clomiphene citrate. The increase in mean luteal prolactin levels over the follicular-phase baseline level was significantly greater in the CC-treated group (P = 0.03). This was due to the significant suppression of follicular-phase baseline prolactin levels in patients receiving CC. We conclude that neither CC nor GnRHa administration in the follicular phase prevents luteal-phase hyperprolactinemia in women undergoing ovarian stimulation with hMG.
  Journal of In Vitro Fertilization and Embryo Transfer 01/1992; 8(6):308-13.
• Article: Experience with intravaginal culture for in vitro fertilization (IVF).

  A L Costoya, C M Cafatti, A A Gadán
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  ABSTRACT: It has been reported that intravaginal culture (IVC) yields results comparable to those obtained with classic IVF techniques; furthermore, it can simplify and reduce the costs of the procedure. In our experience with IVC however, only 8 of 78 mature oocytes inseminated (10.2%) fertilized. Possible causes of this low fertilization rate were analyzed. In our opinion this new and attractive technique needs further evaluation before being extended to common clinical practice.
  Journal of In Vitro Fertilization and Embryo Transfer 01/1992; 8(6):360-1.
• Article: Water-escape time in adult mice derived from manipulated preimplantation embryos.

  J D Biggers, V E Papaioannou
  Journal of In Vitro Fertilization and Embryo Transfer 01/1992; 8(6):352-60.
• Article: The combined use of vibrostimulation and in vitro fertilization: successful pregnancy outcome from a retrograde specimen obtained from a spinal cord-injured male.

  S Elliot, G Szasz, C Zouves
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  ABSTRACT: While pregnancies have been documented through the independent use of the vibrator method, from other methods of procuring ejaculate from spinal cord injured men, and from artificial insemination using a retrograde specimen, we believe that this is the first case report of a live birth resulting from a retrograde ejaculate obtained by vibration from a spinal cord-injured male whose partner underwent in vitro fertilization. Vibrostimulation may well be successful in the two-thirds of men whose spinal cord lesions are at the T10 neurological level and above, who have an intact bulbocavernosus reflex and anal tone but no pain or temperature sensation of the genitalia. Blood pressure monitoring, prevention of autonomic dysreflexia, alkalinization, dilution and infection control of urine, and retrograde specimen retrieval are all important techniques to ensure patient safety and optimal ejaculates. The timing of ovulation and insemination is the crucial factor for the partner of a SCI male whose sperm quality is poor. A complete gynecological workup, including studies of tubal patency, should be done before embarking on a series of artificial inseminations. Stimulation of ovulation and well-timed inseminations should optimize the chance of conception. Depending on semen analysis, female partner factors, and emotional and financial costs, IVF can appropriately be either an early or a final option.
  Journal of In Vitro Fertilization and Embryo Transfer 01/1992; 8(6):348-52.
• Article: Atypical response to luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LH-RH) agonist (suprefact nasal) in induction of ovulation in in vitro fertilization (IVF).

  J B Lessing, J R Cohen, I Yovel, A Amit, M P David, M R Peyser
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  ABSTRACT: Animal and human research has indicated the presence of receptors to luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LH-RH) in the ovaries. However, the role of these receptors is not yet clear. Forty-five patients were treated with Suprefact (D-Serg-Des-Gly10-GnRGH), starting in the midluteal phase of a nonstimulatory menstrual cycle. The Suprefact (300 micrograms t.i.d.) was administered as a nasal spray until the administration of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). On the third to fifth day of the following menstrual cycle, the patients were treated with a high dose of human menopausal gonadotropin (hMG). hCG was administered when at least two follicles reached a mean diameter of 18 mm. Five of these patients who ovulated spontaneously and had normal menstrual cycles did not respond to the stimulation with hMG. Treatment was stopped after 12 days of hMG administration. During the following cycle of the five patients, levels of gonadotropins were found to be in the normal range, and all of them responded as expected to hMG administered for 3 days only (hMG test). These findings suggest that LH-RH agonist may interfere with ovarian steroidogenesis.
  Journal of In Vitro Fertilization and Embryo Transfer 01/1992; 8(6):314-6.
• Article: First birth in a new transport in vitro fertilization program.

  N Aziz, C T Taylor, C R Kingsland, N Haddad
  Journal of In Vitro Fertilization and Embryo Transfer 01/1992; 8(6):362-3.
• Article: Synergy between tumor necrosis factor and endotoxin decreases early embryo development in vitro.

  G W Randall, E F O'Connor, P A Gantt
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  ABSTRACT: The purpose of the present study was to investigate the individual and combined effects of low levels of endotoxin and physiological levels of tumor necrosis factor on in vitro fertilization and preimplantation embryo development. B6D2F1 mice were superovulated by utilizing pregnant mare serum gonadotropin and human chorionic gonadotropin. Oocyte-cumulus complexes (3221 oocytes) were collected, pooled, and randomized into control and treatment groups. Sperm were collected from the caudae epididymides of mature male mice and allowed to capacitate. Treatments included culture media supplemented with increasing amounts of endotoxin (0.5, 1.0, and 2.0 ng/ml; sp act, 3000 IU/ng) and/or tumor necrosis factor (1, 10, and 50 pg/ml; sp act, 0.01 IU/pg) throughout the fertilization and preimplantation development process. Percentage cleavage and percentage expanded blastocyst formation were evaluated. No significant effects were observed for percentage cleavage or percentage expanded blastocyst formation in either the endotoxin (E) or the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) groups. The combination of endotoxin and tumor necrosis factor at any of the levels tested did not significantly decrease cleavage; however, percentage blastocyst formation was decreased with any combination of TNF and E (P less than 0.05-P less than 0.001). We conclude that TNF and E exert significant synergistic effects which are detrimental to in vitro preimplantation embryonic development.
  Journal of In Vitro Fertilization and Embryo Transfer 01/1992; 8(6):304-7.
• Article: A randomized prospective study on the effect of short and long buserelin treatment in women with repeated unsuccessful in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycles due to inadequate ovarian response.

  M Dirnfeld, Y Gonen, A Lissak, S Goldman, M Koifman, Y Sorokin, H Abramovici
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  ABSTRACT: Fifty four women with repeated unsuccessful in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycles due to inadequate ovarian response to stimulation with human menopausal gonadotropins (hMG) participated in this study. They were randomized to receive either gonadotropin releasing hormone agonist (GNRHa), Buserelin, prior to and during induction of ovulation by hMG (Group I--long protocol), or GnRHa starting on the first day of the cycle together with induction of ovulation by hMG (Group II--short protocol). Mean follicular phase serum luteinizing hormone (LH) and progesterone (P) levels were significantly lower in Group I than in Group II (P less than 0.01). Cancellation rate was significantly lower in Group I than in Group II (P less than 0.01). The long GNRHa protocol resulted in statistically significant lower cancellation rates, more oocytes per pickup (OPU), more embryos transferred per patient, and a higher pregnancy rate. Significantly more hMG ampoules and more treatments days were required in the long GNRHa protocol. Our data demonstrate that the use of GNRHa prior to and during ovarian stimulation with hMG offers a very good alternative for patients with repetitive unsuccessful IVF cycles due to inadequate response.
  Journal of In Vitro Fertilization and Embryo Transfer 01/1992; 8(6):339-43.
• Article: Bilateral tubal ectopic pregnancy after in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer.

  J C Chang, Y C Lin, T T Sun
  Journal of In Vitro Fertilization and Embryo Transfer 11/1991; 8(5):292-6.
• Article: Developmental potentiality of embryos cultured under low oxygen tension with superoxide dismutase.

  Y Umaoka, Y Noda, K Narimoto, T Mori
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  ABSTRACT: A low-oxygen culture of preimplantation embryos with superoxide dismutase (SOD) has been demonstrated to produce a marked increase in the blastocyst formation. In this study, we examined the effects of low oxygen-SOD cultures of embryos on the potentiality of embryonic development after intrauterine transplantation and the reproductive ability of the offspring. Mouse pronuclear embryos were cultured in Biggers-Whitten-Whittingham's solution containing 0.3% bovine serum albumin and 500 micrograms/ml SOD under a low-oxygen condition (5% O2, 5% CO2, 90% N2), and 37.2% (110/296) of the embryos developed to blastocysts, with a significant difference from the 1.3% (3/231) under an atmospheric oxygen condition without SOD (P less than 0.01). The blastocysts obtained under a low oxygen-SOD culture condition were transplanted by direct insertion into the uterus of pseudopregnant females 3 days after infertile coitus. The implantation rate was 65.0% (65/100), and the embryo viability rate was 46.0% (46/100). In the control group, in which in vivo developed blastocysts were transplanted into 3-day pseudopregnant females, the implantation rate was 72.5% (81/112), and the embryo viability rate was 51.8% (58/112). The differences between the two groups were not significant. Significant differences also were not observed in either the body weight of pups at birth and 35 days after birth or the mean number of pups delivered by successive mating of the offspring between the two groups.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
  Journal of In Vitro Fertilization and Embryo Transfer 11/1991; 8(5):245-9.
• Article: Transvaginal ultrasonic needle-guided aspiration of endometriotic cysts before ovulation induction for in vitro fertilization.

  D Dicker, J A Goldman, D Feldberg, J Ashkenazi, T Levy
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  ABSTRACT: Controversy still exists concerning the optimal treatment of endometriomata in endometriosis and its related infertility. Forty-one women with endometriomata who failed to conceive during previous in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer (IVF-ET) cycles (protocol A) were readmitted for ovum pickup following transvaginal ultrasonic needle-guided aspiration of the endometriomata (protocol B). Following aspiration a significantly higher number of oocytes was recovered (P less than 0.0006); subsequently, more embryos were transferred, and significantly higher clinical pregnancy rates per cycle (P less than 0.0001) were achieved. This difference may be directly related to the reduction of extensive ectopic endometrial tissue (endometriomata) with improved ovarian response, follicular accessibility, and, most probably, improved oocyte quality.
  Journal of In Vitro Fertilization and Embryo Transfer 11/1991; 8(5):286-9.
• Article: The effect of chemiluminescent light exposure on the in vitro development of mouse embryos.

  M V Sauer, M Francis, T Macaso, R J Paulson
  Journal of In Vitro Fertilization and Embryo Transfer 11/1991; 8(5):290-2.
• Article: Very early pregnancy wastage in in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer (IVF-ET).

  T Levy, J A Goldman, D Dicker, J Ashkenazi, D Feldberg
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  ABSTRACT: The occurrence and incidence of early pregnancy wastage in an in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer (IVF-ET) program have been studied in 750 patients. In 297 (39.6%) a pregnancy was diagnosed; of these, 14.8% were biochemical and 24.8% clinical pregnancies. In the latter group 23.6% aborted, while 75.8% had clinical ongoing pregnancies. The mean embryo quality score of the biochemical pregnancy group was similar to that of the clinical ongoing pregnancy group but statistically different from that of the clinical abortion group (P less than 0.005). Furthermore, the clinical ongoing pregnancy rate in women with previous biochemical pregnancy was 24.7%, a significantly higher percentage compared to clinical ongoing pregnancies achieved in IVF-ET cycles (P less than 0.05). It is possible that biochemical pregnancy does not represent an index for infertility but rather an intact stage of reproduction leading toward implantation. The high clinical pregnancy rate in subsequent cycles may probably serve as an encouraging sign or a marker for future clinical pregnancy.
  Journal of In Vitro Fertilization and Embryo Transfer 11/1991; 8(5):250-3.
• Article: Comparison of unilateral and bilateral tubal transfer in gamete intrafallopian transfer (GIFT).

  A S Penzias, M M Alper, S P Oskowitz, M J Berger, I E Thompson
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  ABSTRACT: Gamete intrafallopian transfer (GIFT) is traditionally performed by delivering gametes into the ampullary region of either one or two fallopian tubes. The choice is made by the surgeon at the time of laparoscopy based upon the patient's anatomy, the number of oocytes available, and clinical judgment. In this nonrandomized, retrospective review, 399 tubal gamete transfers were performed over a period of 18 months, 133 to a single tube and 266 to both tubes. A clinical pregnancy rate of approximately 24% was observed in each modality. The multiple pregnancy rate of 31.3% for one tube was not significantly different from the 25% seen for two tubes. Unilateral tubal transfer offers the distinct advantages of less gamete and tissue handling. This, along with the apparent same outcome parameters, makes unilateral tubal transfer the preferred method of returning gametes at GIFT.
  Journal of In Vitro Fertilization and Embryo Transfer 11/1991; 8(5):276-8.