Examination of Early Cleavage an its Importance in IVF Treatment

Journal für Reproduktionsmedizin und Endokrinologie - Journal of Reproductive Medicine and Endocrinology 2006; 3 (6): 367-372

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Keywords: Embryo,  In-vitro-Fertilisation,  Pronukleus,  Qualität,  Zellzyklus,  cell cycle,  Embryo,  in vitro fertilisation,  pronuclear breakdown,  quality

Since the introduction of assisted reproduction, the number of multiple pregnancies has increased due to the high number of transferred embryos. There is an urgent need for IVF specialists to reduce the number of embryos transferred without the risk of decreasing pregnancy rates. Embryos are selected for transfer on the basis of their developmental stage and morphology. The number of blastomeres of the embryo indicates the speed of early embryo development which correlates to the viability of the embryo. Examination of early embryo development, especially the timing of the first cleavage, can be recommended as a tool for predicting embryo viability. Observation of timing of the first cleavage and its different stages helps us to identify fast- and slow-developing embryos. Early pronuclear breakdown and early cleavage of the zygote are indicators of fast embryo development and good embryo viability. Thereby, they can lead to high implantation and pregnancy rates. The aim of this paper is to provide an overview of the timing of early embryo development and to show its significance in IVF treatment.