Enhanced results in mouse and human embryo culture using a modified human tubal fluid medium lacking glucose and phosphate.

PURPOSE

Because various recent studies in both human and laboratory animals have indicated an influential role of glucose and phosphate in embryonic development, this study was initiated to assess the effect of culture medium lacking glucose and phosphate on human IVF.

RESULTS

Initial studies with mouse zygotes indicated a significant improvement in embryonic development in both a F1 hybrid and a random-bred "two-cell block" strain, using a modified HTF medium which contained EDTA and glutamine (Gln) and also with a similar medium which lacked glucose and phosphate. Subsequently, a prospective randomized trial of human IVF has begun in which infertile patients are sequentially assigned to have IVF using one of three media. The three media are regular HTF, HTF containing EDTA and Gln (referred to as Basal HTF), and HTF with EDTA and Gln but devoid of glucose and phosphate ions (referred to as Basal XI HTF).

CONCLUSIONS

Initial results indicate that Basal XI HTF medium, a modified form of HTF containing EDTA and glutamine but devoid of glucose and phosphate, greatly improves the in vitro development of mouse and human embryos over HTF and Basal HTF medium.