Reduction of connexin 43 in human cumulus cells yields good embryo competence during ICSI.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to predict developmental competence of human oocytes during ICSI via analysis of connexin 43 (Cx43) in cumulus cells surrounding mature oocytes.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

Human cumulus cells were manually separated from the oocyte-cumulus complex under a microscope. Cx43 mRNA was expressed by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) measurement in cumulus cells.

RESULTS

There was no significant relationship between expression of Cx43 and fertilisation or cleavage rate. However, Cx43 expression was lower in the good morphology group (blastomeres>7 cells with fragmentation<10% on day 3) when compared to the other groups (p=0.035).

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that full reduction of Cx43 expression on cumulus cells at the time of oocyte collection during ICSI is essential for developmental competence of human oocytes.