Ultrastructural dynamic features of in vitro fertilization in humans

The present study on in vitro fertilization in humans demonstrates that thr ee-dimensional (3-D) fine morphology by high resolution scanning electron m icroscopy (SEM) combined with parallel light and transmission electron micr oscopy (TEM) can reveal a number of new cellular detailed findings which ca nnot be detected with other methods. In this study the following aspects ha ve been investigated in early human embryos. 1. Micro-topographical features of the zona pellucida (ZP), surface blastom eres and polar body. 2. Intracytoplasmic features of mature and healthy oocyte, in vitro fertili zed (IVF) oocyte and early embryo development. 3. Comparison of general views of intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) a nd conventional IVF (C-IVF) of early embryos. 4. Presence of unusual large tubular smooth endoplasmic reticulum (SER) agg regates in 4, 5, and 6-cell embryos after ICSI. 5. Inside views of 3-D blastocysts such as inner cell mass and trophoblast. To our knowledge, this is the first time that such images are reported by u sing these techniques.