The genetic risks of in vitro fertilization techniques: the use of an animal model.

PURPOSE

The influence of some technical and biological parameters on the genetic characteristics of embryos derived from in vitro fertilization (IVF) techniques was studied.

METHOD

Using a murine model, we assessed the effect of gamete manipulation, gamete maturation stage, and maternal age on the chromosome complements of first-cleavage embryos.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS

We found a positive correlation between some of these parameters and the incidence of the different chromosome abnormalities studied. Regarding aneuploidy, we observed an influence of maternal age, using both prepubertal and old females. Polyspermy showed a positive correlation with in vitro fertilization, the immaturity and overmaturity of the oocytes employed, and the use of prepubertal females. The appearance of diploid female complements was related to oocyte immaturity and prepubertal females, while diploid male complements were directly related to in vitro fertilization. Premature chromosome condensation (PCC) had a direct relationship with oocyte immaturity and in vitro maturation of the oocyte. Finally, structural abnormalities were associated with the process of sperm aging in vitro.