Embryology 4 Flashcards
Biochemical Pregnancy
defined as an elevation in βhCG. Approximately 60% of all (+) hCG
never develop to live birth.
“Clinical Pregnancy”
is defined as the first presence of a heartbeat.
- Pre-Implantation Genetic Testing (PGT)
Removal of cells as early as the blastomeres of the ICM.
Pre-Implantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD)
Looking for a specific disease.
Pre-Implantation Genetic Screening (PGS)
Looking for chromosomal normalcy and not a specific disease.
- Congenital Malformations
Anomalies and disruptions to normal development which occur in utero or prior to birth. Often a result of “genetic abnormalities” particularly mutations
of genes for transcription factors, transduction factors and inducing factors.
Trisomy 21 or “Down’s Syndrome”
results from an extra chromosomal segment at
position 21. The incidence of Down’s Syndrome increases significantly at the maternal age
of 35+ years.
- Pleiotropy
Phenotypic effects produced by one gene expression.
Mosaic Pleiotropy
an abnormal gene “independently” affects different organs/systems.
Relational Pleiotropy
abnormal gene only affects a single organ development but then other organs are affected by that organs “normal/abnormal” development.
- Infertility
Inability to conceive after one full year of attempts
Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART)
lab techniques used to assist in fertilization such as
drug therapy and in-vitro fertilization.
- In-Vitro Fertilization (IVF)
Louise Brown” (1978), The worlds first “Test Tube Baby”
- Gamete Intrafallopian Transfer (GIFT) & Zygote Intrafallopian Transfer (ZIFT)
Modified versions of IVF involving retrieval of eggs. Considered faster processes because of the timing of the transfer (implantation). GIFT & ZIFT require a surgical procedure to access the fallopian tube(s) that IVF does not.
- GIFT
Sperm and the eggs are mixed together in-vitro then re-implanted into the fallopian tube with the hope that fertilization will then occur.
- ZIFT
Fertilization occurs in-vitro then the zygote (fertilized egg) is placed into the fallopian tube.
- Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI)
Injecting sperm cells into the eggs in-vitro to create a fertilized egg. Generally used in cases of male factor infertility such as “Kartagener’s Syndrome” where there is a decreased or absence of sperm motility.
Gonal F® & Follistim®
Drugs which hyperstimulate the ovaries to increase the quality (and quantity) of egg productio
Gonal F®
Generally least expensive of the two drugs and will typically produce more eggs.
Studies have found that in some cases, the drug may make the uterus less receptive to
the implantation of the embryo.
Follistim®
Will generally produce better “quality” eggs than does Gonal F®.
Better media
has been developed that will mimic the Ampulla region during the in-vitro period of fertilization. This allows for the embryo to be kept in the dish for an extended period of time (2-3 days) or until the Blastocyst stage. Can provide for a selection of the “better” embryos which will be more likely to implant and survive.
Uterus Transplants
In cases of uterine cancer or where the uterus has been removed and in situations of excessive fibroid tissue
Microscopic Testicular Sperm Extraction (micro-TESE)
Identifying areas of the testicle that has the best sperm (number & quality) production. Sperm are removed for use in various ART.
Diets, Exercise, Sleep, & Lifestyle
An improvement in all categories may improve the gamete production and fertility in both women & men
