P-186 Volumetric imaging provides insight into the 3D ultrastructural organization of maturing human oocytes

In conclusion, the volumetric imaging, followed by advanced image analysis, maximizes the amount of morphological data obtained from a single human oocyte.Limitations, reasons for cautionThe imaging procedure was pioneered on a small number of hormonally-primed oocytes, which failed to complete development in vivo. There is a trade-off between resolution, the size of the 3D volume, and imaging time. Block-face ion milling during FIB-SEM imaging inevitably results in sample destruction.Wider implications of the findingsThis proof-of-concept study opens up new possibilities to study the delicate architecture of scarce human oocytes. Enhancing our knowledge of the spatial organization of ooplasm is pivotal for developing experimental and therapeutical strategies involving oocyte microsurgery.Trial registration numbernot applicable
Source: Human Reproduction - Category: Reproduction Medicine Source Type: research