Periodicum biologorum, Vol. 111 No. 3, 2009.
Original scientific paper
The beginning of human life under time-laps Cinematography
YASUYUKI MIO
; Reproductive Center, Mio Fertility Clinic 1-1, 2-Chome, Kuzumo-Minami, Yonago, Tottoriken, 683-0008 Japan, Kazuo Maeda, Dept. of Obstetrics and Gynecology (emeritus), Tottori University School of Medicine, Nadamachi 3-125, Yonago, Tottoriken, 683-0835 Jap
Abstract
Background and Purpose: The aim of this study was to follow and record the early stages of development of a human embryo using time-lapse cinematography, and to discuss the beginning of human life.
Materials and Methods: Human ova were incubated in thermo-stabilized and pH controlled chambers and observed using an inverted microscope fitted with a CCD digital camera. Images were taken at 2-minute intervals for 5–6 days. A total of 30 consecutive images, corresponding to an hour of incubation, could then be replayed in 1 second. This allowed us to watch the development of embryos over 5–6 days in a few minutes.
Results and Conclusion: We observed fertilization of an ovum with a
single spermatozoon followed by early cleavages, formation of the morula, blastocyst hatching and changes in the embryonic plates and the development of monozygotic twins in 2 of 3 incubated blastocysts. TLC has contributed enormously to our understanding of the morphological mechanisms of fertilization and embryonic development.We would like to suggest that the time at which stem cell-like morula cells form the differentiated blastocyst is the point at which human life begins, and that the ET of blastocyst may increase the risk of monozygotic twins.
Keywords
Embryo; blastocyst; human life; ART; time-laps cinematography; MD twins
Hrčak ID:
43353
URI
Publication date:
15.9.2009.
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