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Semin Reprod Med 2021; 39(05/06): e5-e11
DOI: 10.1055/s-0041-1742171
Review Article

Artificial Egg Activation Using Calcium Ionophore

Ahmed Attia
1   Reproductive Medicine Research Group, School of Medicine, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom
,
Cara Nicholson
1   Reproductive Medicine Research Group, School of Medicine, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom
,
Sarah J. Martins da Silva 
1   Reproductive Medicine Research Group, School of Medicine, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom
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Abstract

Artificial oocyte activation, most commonly using calcium ionophore, is a treatment add-on utilized to avoid recurrence of abnormally low or total failed fertilization following in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection. It aims to modify defective physiological processes, specifically calcium-mediated cell signaling that are critical to events required for fertilization. Routine application of artificial oocyte activation is neither required nor recommended; however, it represents an invaluable intervention for a subgroup of patients affected by sperm-related oocyte activation deficiency.

Keywords

artificial oocyte activation - calcium ionophore - failed fertilization - add-on - ART adjuvant


Publication History

Article published online:
10 March 2022

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