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Abstract
To study the morphological changes of apoptotic oocytes, and rates of in vitro maturation
and apoptosis of human oocytes in relation to age.
Prospective comparative study.
Reproductive medicine center.
Women undergoing surgery for ovarian cysts.
Oocytes were incubated in Ham's F-10 medium with 15% fetal cord serum (FCS) for 32
to 120 hours and were examined under inverted microscope every 6 to 8 hours.
Oocyte maturation and apoptosis, Fas antigen.
The morphologic changes characteristic of apoptosis oocytes were shrinkage, or the
occurrence of cytoplasmic condensation, membrane blebbing, fragmentation of the oocyte
into "apoptotic" bodies of unequal size, or internucleosomal DNA cleavage as shown
by TUNEL. The maturation rates of oocytes were highest in those from women aged 21
to 30 years, and lowest in those aged 41 to 50 years. Apoptosis occurred in 17.1%
(age group 21 to 30 years), 37. 7% (31 to 40 years), and 52.3% (41 to 50 years). The
rate of apoptosis of human immature oocytes cultured in vitro was significantly higher
in those from older women who were 41 to 50 years old than in those women 21 to 40
years old. Fas antigen was found to be present on apoptotic oocyte membranes.
The developmental potential of oocytes from older women decreased in vitro in a manner
similar to that seen in vivo. DNA fragmentation in oocytes associated with apoptotic
death might be one of the reasons for poor oocyte quality and lower fertility in older
women. Fas antigen in the oocyte presumably mediates apoptosis.