PURPOSE: We tested an entirely noncontact polar body-extraction method using an ultraviolet laser beam for laser zona drilling and a near infrared laser beam for polar body (PB) trapping and extraction. METHODS: A hole was drilled into the zona pellucida of an oocyte. Then, the PB was trapped with optical tweezers and dragged through the drilled hole. RESULTS: Bovine first PBs could be extracted in 49 out of 63 oocytes (78%) using this method. In human oocytes, PB extraction was successfully demonstrated, which however was more time consuming. A number of extracted PBs were dried on a special membrane, circumcised with the laser microbeam, and successfully catapulted into the lid of a microfuge tube (laser pressure catapulting). CONCLUSIONS: This solely laser-mediated extraction method allows convenient procurement of PBs without the danger of contamination and is a promising approach that might replace standard micromanipulation methods in the future.
PURPOSE: We tested an entirely noncontact polar body-extraction method using an ultraviolet laser beam for laser zona drilling and a near infrared laser beam for polar body (PB) trapping and extraction. METHODS: A hole was drilled into the zona pellucida of an oocyte. Then, the PB was trapped with optical tweezers and dragged through the drilled hole. RESULTS:Bovine first PBs could be extracted in 49 out of 63 oocytes (78%) using this method. In human oocytes, PB extraction was successfully demonstrated, which however was more time consuming. A number of extracted PBs were dried on a special membrane, circumcised with the laser microbeam, and successfully catapulted into the lid of a microfuge tube (laser pressure catapulting). CONCLUSIONS: This solely laser-mediated extraction method allows convenient procurement of PBs without the danger of contamination and is a promising approach that might replace standard micromanipulation methods in the future.
Authors: S Rechitsky; C Strom; O Verlinsky; T Amet; V Ivakhnenko; V Kukharenko; A Kuliev; Y Verlinsky Journal: J Assist Reprod Genet Date: 1999-04 Impact factor: 3.412