Influx of zwitterionic buffer after intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) membrane piercing alters the transcriptome of human oocytes

ConclusionThe influence of zwitterionic buffer on intrinsic cellular mechanisms provides numerous concerns for their use in IVF clinical applications. The primary concern is the ICSI procedure, in which the surrounding buffer is allowed influx into the oocytes after membrane piercing.  Selecting a physiological bicarbonate buffer may reduce imposed stress on oocytes, resulting in improved embryo development and clinical results because intracellular MOPS, and especially HEPES, may negatively impact intrinsic biological mechanisms, as revealed by transcriptome changes. These find ings further support the utilization of bicarbonate buffer as the oocyte-holding medium during ICSI.
Source: Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics - Category: Reproduction Medicine Source Type: research