Gamete competence assessment by polarizing optics in assisted reproduction

The purpose of this study was first to give an overview of the historical development of polarization microscopy, second to describe the various applications of this technique in assisted reproduction techniques (ART) and third to discuss the potential benefit of polarization microscopy as a predict...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Human reproduction update 2011-09, Vol.17 (5), p.654-666
Main Authors: Montag, Markus, Köster, Maria, van der Ven, Katrin, van der Ven, Hans
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Birefringence
Cryopreservation
Embryo, Mammalian - cytology
Female
Fertilization in Vitro
History, 19th Century
Humans
Infertility - therapy
Male
Meiosis
Microscopy, Polarization - history
Microscopy, Polarization - methods
Oocytes - cytology
Oocytes - ultrastructure
Spermatozoa - cytology
Spindle Apparatus
Treatment Outcome
Zona Pellucida - ultrastructure
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Summary:The purpose of this study was first to give an overview of the historical development of polarization microscopy, second to describe the various applications of this technique in assisted reproduction techniques (ART) and third to discuss the potential benefit of polarization microscopy as a predictor for IVF success. The history of polarization microscopy was undertaken by performing a backward search in the scientific literature using Google and internet sites of several Societies for Microscopy and Cell Biology. Studies of polarization microscopy in ART were identified by using a systematic literature search in PubMed and Scopus. A total of 62 articles were identified by the direct search and further relevant articles were found by screening the cited literature in these articles. The topics relevant for assisted reproduction were spindle and zona imaging in combination with IVF success, meiotic cell cycle progression, pharmaceutical studies and cryopreservation. A separate topic was the use of sperm birefringence in ART. The majority of studies are observational studies and were not performed in a randomized manner and there is no direct comparison of techniques using other gamete selection markers. Despite this, most studies show that polarization microscopy may help us to further increase our knowledge on gametes and meiosis. Whether certain applications such as spindle or zona imaging may lead to an increase in IVF success is unclear at present. Publications on the use of polarization microscopy on sperm are still very limited.
ISSN:1355-4786
1460-2369
DOI:10.1093/humupd/dmr016