The embryo toxicity of hydrosalpinx fluid is only apparent at high concentrations: an in vitro model that stimulates in vivo events.

OBJECTIVE

To simulate the in vivo model in studying the effect of hydrosalpinx fluid on embryonic development.

DESIGN

Controlled prospective study.

SETTING

Academic research center.

PATIENT(S): Five hundred eighty-seven two-cell murine embryos.

INTERVENTION(S): Embryos were grown under two sets of conditions. Half were cultured using 10% fetal calf serum in RPM1 medium in varying concentrations of hydrosalpinx fluid (0, 1%, 10%, 50%, 75%, and 100%). To more closely mimic the in vivo environment, the other half were grown in an endometrial coculture system with the same media and hydrosalpinx fluid concentrations.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Embryonic development.

RESULT(S): For each stage of embryogenesis, diminished development was noted with increasing concentrations of hydrosalpinx fluid. In the group of embryos grown without endometrial coculture, only at a minimum concentration of 50% hydrosalpinx fluid was diminished development noted for the blastocyst, hatching, and outgrowth stages. When an endometrial coculture system was used, development was not inhibited until exposure to a minimum of 75% hydrosalpinx fluid. Embryogenesis was enhanced when an endometrial coculture system was used for each concentration of hydrosalpinx fluid.

CONCLUSION(S): When a model is used that more accurately mimics the in vivo conditions of IVF-ET in a patient with hydrosalpinges, it appears that high concentrations of hydrosalpinx fluid are required to signiticantly impede embryogenesis. The endometrium appears to help detoxify hydrosalpinx fluid.