Scanning electron microscopic findings of cleaved unfertilized eggs ovulated by repeated administration of gonadotrophin

Oocytes in the degenerative process are suggested to be rescued and to deve loped to ovulation by repeated induction of superovulation using gonadotrop hin (GTH). In this study, the morphology of abnormally cleaved unfertilized eggs obtained by repeated induction of superovulation in mice using PMSG/h CG was observed by scanning electron microscope. As a result, loss of micro villi was noted on the cell surface of cleaved unfertilized eggs. On the ot her hand, ample microvilli were observed on the cell surface of fertilized eggs in the morula stage obtained 65 hours after spontaneous copulation use d as controls. Loss of microvilli on the cell surface is a characteristic f inding in apoptotic cells. Cleaved unfertilized eggs obtained by repeated i nduction of superovulation using GTH are considered to be in the degenerati ve process due to apoptosis.