The right to be forgotten versus the right to disclosure of gamete donors' id: ethical and legal considerations / El derecho al olvido frente al derecho a revelar la identificación de los donantes de gametos: consideraciones éticas y jurídicas / O direito ao esquecimento versus o direito à divulgação da identificação de dadores de gâmetas: considerações éticas e legais

Abstract: 15. The anonymity of gamete donors in the context of medically-assisted reproduction techniques (ART) and the right of the offspring to know their genetic or biological parents' identity is a controversial and widely debated topic in the scientific literature. The positions on the issue in each country are different. Sometimes they are in opposition to each other even in countries with strong similarities, such as those in the European Union (EU), in the framework of shared ethical values. Although some countries still enshrine the rule of anonymity, there is an undeniable tendency to guarantee the right to know one's origins by creating relevant exceptions or abolishing donor anonymity status altogether. 16. This article offers ethical and legal considerations of whether the so-called 'right to be forgotten' (RTBF) could be extended to include gamete donors' right to remain anonymous. This perspective goes against the general trend, certainly in Europe, of recognizing that offspring born from donor gametes have a right to access information relating to their genetic progenitors. The novel addition is to question whether the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) might provide fertile ground for questioning this approach, and effectively support those jurisdictions where anonymity is still possible.

Resumen: 20. El anonimato de los donantes de gametos en el contexto de las técnicas de reproducción médicamente asistida (RM) y el derecho de la descendencia a conocer su identidad genética o biológica es un tema controvertido y ampliamente debatido en la literatura científica. Las posiciones sobre el tema en cada país son diferentes. A veces se oponen entre sí, incluso en países con fuertes similitudes, como los de la Unión Europea (UE), en el marco de valores éticos compartidos. Aunque algunos países siguen consagrando la norma del anonimato, es innegable la tendencia a garantizar el derecho a conocer el propio origen creando las excepciones pertinentes o suprimiendo por completo el estatus de anonimato del donante. 21. Este artículo ofrece consideraciones éticas y jurídicas sobre si el llamado "derecho al olvido" podría ampliarse para incluir el derecho de los donantes de gametos a permanecer en el anonimato. Esta opinión es contraria a la tendencia general, ciertamente en Europa, de reconocer que los hijos nacidos de gametos donados tienen derecho a acceder a la información relativa a sus padres genéticos. La nueva adición consiste en debatir si el Reglamento general de protección de datos (RGPD) podría proporcionar un terreno fértil para cuestionar este enfoque y apoyar efectivamente a las jurisdicciones en las que el anonimato sigue siendo posible.

Resumo 25. O anonimato dos dadores de gâmetas no contexto das técnicas de reprodução medicamente assistida (RMA) e o direito da descendência a conhecer a sua identidade genética ou biológica é um tema controverso e amplamente debatido na literatura científica. As posições sobre a questão em cada país são diferentes. Por vezes estão em oposição umas às outras, mesmo em países com fortes semelhanças, como os da União Europeia (UE), no quadro de valores éticos partilhados. Embora alguns países ainda consagrem a regra do anonimato, existe uma tendência inegável para garantir o direito de conhecer as suas origens, criando exceções relevantes ou abolindo completamente o estatuto de anonimato dos dadores. 26. Este artigo oferece considerações éticas e legais sobre se o chamado "direito ao esquecimento" poderia ser alargado para incluir o direito dos dadores de gâmetas a permanecerem anónimos. Esta perspetiva vai contra a tendência geral, certamente na Europa, de reconhecer que os descendentes nascidos de gâmetas doadas têm o direito de aceder à informação relacionada com os seus progenitores genéticos. O novo aditamento é debater se o Regulamento Geral de Proteção de Dados (RGPD) poderá fornecer um terreno fértil para questionar esta abordagem, e apoiar efetivamente as jurisdições onde o anonimato ainda é possível.

Comunicación de orígenes en familias formadas por donación de gametos: del anonimato a la apertura como posibilidad / Comunicating origins in families formed by gamete donation: from anonymity to openness as a possibility

La reproducción asistida con donación ha venido a interrogar y a ampliar la noción de parentesco. La hegemonía del modelo biogenético dificulta que los padres de estas familias incorporen con tranquilidad la donación en su gestación. Desde los inicios de la técnica los padres han optado por no contar a su decendencia la historia de su concepción, muchas veces por miedo a que se deslegitimara su relación filial. Con el tiempo, se ha observado una apertura hacia la comunicación. Este cambio va de la mano con el desarrollo de la investigación en el área, que comenzó preguntándose por el bienestar psicológico de los nacidos por donación, por los aspectos relacionales de las familias concebidas de este modo e interrogando los beneficios de la comunicación de orígenes. Luego, investigando las percepciones en relación con su origen de las personas nacidas por donación. Finalmente, se ha publicado acerca la imposibilidad del anonimato en la era de los exámenes genéticos directos al consumidor. El modo de entender la reproducción con donante ha evolucionado, de un modelo médico en el que el foco es el lograr un embarazo saludable, a un modelo de formación de familia, en el que la motivación es contribuir a formar familias de buen funcionamiento. Esto tiene implicancias en la consejería a quienes participan del proceso, y también en los lineamientos que las sociedades científicas y comités de ética sugieren a los programas de reproducción con donante.

Gamete donation has come to question and broaden the notion of kinship. The hegemony of an biogenetic model has been an obstacle for parents of these families to incorporate donation into their history. From the beginning of the technique the parents chose not to tell their descent the history of their conception, often for fear that their filial relationship would be delegitimized. Over time, an openness to disclosure has been observed. This change goes hand in hand with the development of research in the area, which began by asking about the psychological well-being of those born by donation. Then investigating the relational aspects of families conceived in this way and questioning the benefits of disclosure. Subsequently, it was possible to study the perceptions regarding their origin of people born by donation. Finally, the impossibility of anonymity in the era of direct consumer genetic testing has been published. The way of understanding donor reproduction has evolved, from a medical model in focus is to achieve a healthy pregnancy, a family formation model, in which the motivation is to contribute to forming well-functioning families. This has implications in counseling to those who participate in the process, and in the guidelines that scientific societies and ethics committees affect donor reproduction programs.

Case reports for embryo banking: for women who want their own

Out of the many challenges in management of female factor infertility, poor responders and low response to stimulation in aged and even younger women, seems to be a common problem. It is very difficult to offer one particular management strategy or treatment protocol for optimum outcome in this group of women of poor responders. In a low resource set up, IVF (In vitro Fertilization) specialist doctors usually face a challenge in treating women with poor/ low ovarian reserve as ovum / gamete donation is considered as a taboo in various sections of society even today. Hence women insist on having an offspring of "their own" and vehemently deny ovum / gamete donations. In this article we discuss 2 cases of poor ovarian reserve retrospectively, who underwent multiple cycles of controlled ovarian hyperstimulation for embryo banking and ultimately achieved pregnancy. Both patients achieved pregnancy with the method of embryo banking. Embryo banking should be considered and discussed. Various articles have discussed the advantages and disadvantages of embryo banking or even oocytes accumulation. The advantages of this technique is patients with poor/low ovarian reserve get a chance to be pregnant with their own oocytes and also have a chance for vitrification of residual embryos. Another advantage in such patients is that the embryos can undergo PGS (Preimplantation Genetic Screening) techniques in cases of suspected genetic disorders. The disadvantage in a low resource set up like India is the cost of the treatment. Nevertheless, embryo banking and accumulation of oocytes should be given as an option for treatment of poor/ low ovarian reserve and could be considered as a ray of hope for all future mothers hoping for a child of "their own".

Gamete and embryo donation regulation in human assisted reproduction technologies: Disclosure or nondisclosure?

The use of donated gametes and embryos in assisted reproduction techniques (ART) makes it necessary to examine interests that involve relevant ethical and legal considerations, which include the autonomy and privacy rights of the intended parents, donors’ right to privacy and the right of the minors to know their genetic origin. This article presents arguments to consider policies of more openness to obtain information from donors in order to protect the child’s best interest in knowing his/her genetic origins. It concludes with the situation in Mexico, where ART has been carried out with donated gametes since several years ago; however, due to the absence of regulations to control these procedures, each establishment imposes its own criteria for the operation of its programs.

Investigation on Medical Students' Ethical Cognition of Assisted Reproductive Technology / 中国医学伦理学

Objective:To investigate the medical students' cognition of ethical issues in assisted reproductive technology (ART) and discuss the importance of ethical education in medical colleges and universities.Methods:A questionnaire survey about the ethical cognition of assisted reproductive technology was conducted among 632 medical students.The questionnaire included the donation and management of gametes and embryos,and offspring problems.Results:Medical students agreed with most of the current ART-related laws and regulations.however,44.8％ of medical students considered that criteria of donating eggs should be relaxed,such as allowing women who do not receive ART treatment be paid for eggs.In addition,a total of 39.0％ of medical students supported the legalization of surrogacy technology in china.Conclusion:Medical students exists a certain misunderstanding in egg donation and surrogacy technology.We should give more training to medical students in ethical knowledge.In addition,our country can supplement and perfect the current laws and regulations to a certain extent.

Cryopreserved sperm for oocyte fertilization of dourado Salminus brasiliensis / Sêmen criopreservado na fertilização de ovócitos de dourado Salminus brasiliensis

Salminus brasiliensis is a migratory fish that has attracted considerable interest for aquaculture. Several procedures for induced spawning are known; however, there is a lack of protocol which enables the use of cryopreserved semen. Therefore, this study was conducted to investigate the use of cryopreserved semen using different volumes of cryopreserved semen relative to oocytes, different activators solutions and different maintenance time during the fertilization of dourado to evaluate the impact of these parameters on the fertilization rate. The semen was collected, cryopreserved in 0.5mL straws and stored in a dry shipper. Oocytes samples were fertilized according to each treatment. The different activator solutions and the contact times of the gametes with activators affected significantly the fertilization rates, which ranged between 13.4 and 27.8%, while fresh semen fertility rate was 80.8%. The relationship between oocyte and cryopreserved semen was significant, being the best ratio 0.05mL of cryopreserved semen per 10g of oocytes, while upper or lower volumes promoted a reduction in fertilization. The use of cryopreserved semen was effective to fertilize S. brasiliensis oocytes, however produced lower fertility rate than fresh semen.

O dourado, Salminus brasiliensis, é um peixe migrador que tem despertado interesse para piscicultura. Os procedimentos convencionais para a sua reprodução são conhecidos, contudo, falta um protocolo para o uso do sêmen criopreservado. Dessa forma, objetivou-se avaliar diferentes volumes de sêmen criopreservado, ouso de diferentes soluções ativadoras e com diferentes tempos de contato do sêmen com os ovócitos na taxa de fertilização. Para tal, o sêmen foi coletado e criopreservado em palhetas de 0,5mL em vapor de nitrogênio líquido. Amostras de ovócitos foram fertilizadas conforme os distintos tratamentos. As diferentes soluções testadas e o tempo de contato dos ativadores afetaram significativamente as taxas de fertilização, com valores que variaram entre 13,4 e 27,8%, enquanto o sêmen fresco propiciou 80,8% de taxa de fertilização. O volume de sêmen criopreservado afetou a taxa de fertilização dos ovos, sendo 0,05mL para 10g de ovócitos, o que promoveu os melhores resultados, sendo que volumes superiores e inferiores promoveram redução na fertilização. O uso de sêmen criopreservado foi efetivo na fertilização dos ovócitos de dourado, no entanto, foram obtidas taxas de fertilização inferiores àquelas observadas com o uso de sêmen fresco.

Cambios morfológicos en gametos del barbo tigre Puntius tetrazona (Cypriniformes: Cyprinidae) e implementación de la fertilización in vitro / Morphological changes in gametes of tiger barb Puntius tetrazona (Cypriniformes: Cyprinidae) and the implementation of in vitro fertilization

The production of ornamental fishes represents an economic activity of a growing number of Mexican families. Nevertheless, the reproduction of fish in captivity is one of the complications faced by farmers. This study was set up to: (i) evaluate the morphological and functional changes induced by hydration in the gametes of fish tiger barb (Puntius tetrazona; 240 samples) at tree times after hydration (10, 20 and 30s) with classic spermograms (volume, sperm concentration, viability, motility, and normal morphology); and (ii) evaluate the implementation of in vitro fertilization based on the ovulation rate, the percentage of fertilization and hatching, and the larval numbers obtained after 72 hours. The average volume of milt was 3.0±0.7μL, and the minimum, maximum and average concentration of sperm was 44.4x10(6) spz/mL, 52.3x10(6)spz/mL, and 48.1±5.9x10(6)spz/mL, respectively. The viability and motility of the sperm was 84.6±3.2% and 81.5±2.2%, respectively. The diameter of the sperm with/without water contact was 2.1±0.6μm and 3.8±1.0μm (p<0.05); the largest diameter was recorded 30 seconds after the contact with water. For oocytes, the smaller and larger diameters were recorded at 10 and 30s, respectively (both with/without water contact); the oocytes diameters after 10 and 30 seconds of contact with water were 1.11 and 1.55mm, respectively. A higher ovulation rate was recorded using the in vitro fertilization: 250±50 oocytes versus 28±09 oocytes (during natural fertilization; p<0.05). Nevertheless, fertilization and hatching rates were higher for the natural fertilization (80 and 60%, respectively). Considering the number of larvae obtained after 72 hours, our results showed a higher value for the in vitro fertilization (75±18 compared to 13.4±12 of the natural fertilization; p<0.05). We propose this fish as a model for other ornamental fishes of commercial interest. Our results demonstrate that the in vitro fertilization is a very high viable option to optimize and maximize resources; besides, the reproduction management optimization under controlled conditions may enhance wild fish stocks preservation. Rev. Biol. Trop. 62 (4): 1353-1363. Epub 2014 December 01.

El objetivo del presente estudio fue conocer las características de los gametos de Puntius tetrazona (n=240), los cambios morfológicos a partir de su activación mediante espermogramas cásicos y por otro lado, se evaluó la implementación de la fertilización in vitro a partir de la tasa ovulatoria, el % de fertilización y eclosión y el número de larvas vivas a las 72h. El volumen promedio de semen fue de 3.0±0.7µL. La concentración espermática mínima, máxima y promedio fue 44.48x10(6)spz/mL, 52.3x10(6)spz/mL y 48.1±5.9x10(6)spz/mL, respectivamente. La viabilidad promedio fue de 84.68±3.27%. La motilidad promedio fue 81.53±2.28%. El diámetro de los espermatozoides fluctuó entre 2.16±0.2 y 2.79±0.3µm; 3.84±0.3 y 4.86±0.31µm sin y con contacto con el agua respectivamente, con diferencias significativas. El diámetro mayor fue a los 30s en contacto con el agua. Los ovocitos de menor y mayor diámetro se registraron a los diez y 30s sin y con contacto con el agua respectivamente. Los diámetros de los ovocitos en diez y 30s en contacto con el agua fluctuaron entre 1.11 y 1.55mm respectivamente. La mayor tasa ovulatoria fue en la fertilización in vitro con 250±50 ovocitos frente a 28±09 de la natural, con diferencias significativas. Los porcentajes de fertilización y eclosión fueron más elevados en la fertilización natural con 80% y 60% respectivamente. Se registraron 75±18 larvas a las 72 horas en el grupo in vitro comparado con 13.4±12 larvas de la fertilización natural. Con lo anterior, la técnica que permitió mayor cantidad de larvas fue la de fertilización in vitro.

Factors that affect oocyte vitrification in small ruminants / Fatores que afetam a vitrificação de oócitos em pequenos ruminantes

At the end of its growth, the mammalian oocyte, include in preovulatory follicle, is the largest cell of the organism, with about 120 µmin diameter. The size of oocyte, together with the specific arrangement of its organels and cytoskeleton, makes a real challenge forcryopreservation techniques. For such large cell, methods that do not require equilibrium to cryopreservation, such as vitrification,are more promising. It is important to highlight that the cryopreservation of oocytes is more difficult than zygotes or later stageembryos and this technique is a challenging task because of oocyte sensitive nature to chilling and toxic effects of cryoprotectants.However, the development of a reliable method for oocyte cryopreservation would be an important advance in the field of reproductivebiology for the preservation of genetic resources. The vitrification of mammalian oocytes is influenced by many variables, such asdifferent cryoprotectants, vitrification techniques, presence or absence of cumulus cells, the oocyte structure, metabolism (such aslevel of lipid storage) and meiotic stage. Thus, all these factors should be considered to optimize the techniques and adapt them tooocytes from each species. Therefore, the present review aims to describe the main factors that affect oocyte vitrification in sheepand goats, reporting the main findings in both species, as well as perspectives of future improvements.

No fim do seu crescimento, o oócito mamífero é a maior célula do organismo, com cerca de 120 µm de diâmetro. O tamanhodo oócito em conjunto com a disposição específica das organelas e do citoesqueleto faz com que ele represente um verdadeirodesafio para as técnicas de criopreservação. Para grandes células, métodos que não exigem equilíbrio para criopreservação,como a vitrificação, são mais promissores. É importante ressaltar que a criopreservação de oócitos é mais difícil que de zigotosou embriões em estádios mais tardios e esta técnica representa um desafio devido à natureza sensível do oócito ao resfriamentoe aos efeitos tóxicos de crioprotetores. Entretanto, o desenvolvimento de uma técnica confiável para a criopreservação oocitáriarepresentaria um avanço importante para a preservação de recursos genéticos. A vitrificação de oócitos em mamíferos é influenciadapor muitas variáveis, tais como diferentes crioprotetores, técnicas de vitrificação, presença ou ausência de células do cumulus,estrutura do oócito, metabolismo (como o nível de armazenamento de lipídios) e estágio meiótico. Assim, todos esses fatoresdevem ser considerados quando o objetivo é otimizar as técnicas e adaptá-las para oócitos de cada espécie. Assim, a presenterevisão tem como objetivo descrever os principais fatores que afetam a vitrificação de oócitos em ovinos e caprinos, relatando osprincipais resultados em ambas as espécies, bem como as perspectivas de melhorias futuras.

Pertinencia del tamizaje genético en donantes de gametos / The pertinence of genetic screening in gamete donors

Introducción: una preocupación importante para las parejas sometidas a tratamientos de reproducción asistida con gametos donados es la posibilidad de adquirir enfermedades infecciosas o la transmisión de enfermedades genéticas a la descendencia. Existen reportes, basados en la legislación de cada país y en la experiencia de cada centro, que hacen referencia al tipo de evaluación genética, infecciosa y psicológica que deben tener los donantes de gametos. En Colombia no existe una ley específica sobre las técnicas de reproducción asistida y la donación de gametos. Tampoco existe claridad acerca de si los donantes deberían ser evaluados genéticamente y con qué tipo de pruebas. Objetivo: el objetivo de este documento es hacer una reflexión sobre la pertinencia de evaluar genéticamente a los donantes de gametos a partir de la caracterización de las principales condiciones genéticas prevalentes en nuestra población, la alteración genética de base y el método actual de diagnóstico genético. Conclusión: se concluye que es necesario desarrollar un protocolo claro a nivel nacional y en los centros de reproducción asistida a cerca de la evaluación genética en los pacientes donantes de gametos.

Introduction: A major concern for pairs undergoing assisted reproduction treatment with donated gametes is the possibility of acquiring infectious diseases or transmitting genetic diseases to their offspring. Some reports have been based on the legislation of each country and each centre’s experience referring to the type of genetic infectious and/or psychological evaluation which gamete donors must undergo. There is no specific law in Colombia about assisted reproduction and/ or gamete donor techniques; also, there is no clarity about whether donors should be genetically evaluated and which type of test should be used for this. Objective: This document was aimed at making a reflection about the pertinence of genetically evaluating gamete donors by characterising the main genetic conditions prevailing in the Colombian population, base genetic alteration and the method currently being used for genetic diagnosis. Conclusion: It was concluded that a clear national protocol must be developed about genetic evaluation in gamete-donating patients; this should also be done in assisted reproduction centres.

Production of ''Chame'' (Dormitator latifrons, Pisces: Eleotridae) larvae using GnRHa and LHRHa / Producción de larvas de Chame (Dormitator latifrons, Pisces: Eleotridae) usando GnRHa and LHRHa / Produção de larvas de Chame (Dormitator latifrons, Pisces: Eleotridae) usando GnRHa e LHR

The Pacific fat sleeper is a potential species for aquaculture in Latin American countries. Nevertheless, production depends on wildcaught juveniles, thus needing hatchery produced larvae. Objective: the purpose of this study was to determine the ideal conditions for viable gamete release and larvae laboratory production. Methods: a total of 16 mature male and 16 female fish were allocated to one of four groups (n=4) that were injected with either saline solution, Desgly10-Ala6 LHRHa, salmon GnRHa + domperidone, or implanted with salmon GnRHa. Results: spermiation was observed in all treatments. Spawning rates were 100% at 24 and 48 h for the GnRHa implanted group, 25% for the LHRHa group, and 0% for the salmon GnRHa + domperidone group (48-72 h post injection). Conclusion: GnRHa and LHRHa are a succesful tool for chame induced reproduction. A gross morphological description of oocytes, sperm quality, and first stages of larval development is included.

El chame es una especie con potencial para la acuicultura en Latinoamérica. Sin embargo, su producción depende de la utilización de individuos juveniles capturados en el medio silvestre, siendo necesaria la reproducción en cautiverio. Objetivo: determinar las condiciones ideales para la obtención de gametos viables y larvas en laboratorio. Métodos: un total de 16 machos y 16 hembras adultos se asignaron a cuatro grupos (n=4) y fueron inyectados con solución salina, Desgly10-Ala6 LHRHa, GnRHa de salmón+domperidone, o con implantes de GnRHa de salmón. Resultados: se logró exitosamente la liberación de esperma para todos los tratamientos. La inducción al desove fue del 100% a las 24 y 48 h para el grupo implantado con GnRHa, 25% para el grupo con LHRHa, y 0% para el grupo GnRHa de salmón+domperidone (48-72 h post-inyección). Conclusiones: el uso de GnRHa y LHRHa es una herramienta útil en la reproducción inducida del chame. Se incluye una descripción morfológica de los oocitos, calidad de esperma y primeros estadio del desarrollo larvario. Se discuten también las condiciones óptimas de salinidad para la fertilización e incubación de huevos fertilizados.

O chame é uma espécie com potencial para a aquicultura na América Latina. Porém, toda a produção depende da captura de juvenis selvagens. Objetivo: determinar as condições ideais para a obtenção de gametas viáveis e larvas no laboratório. Métodos: um total de 16 machos e 16 fêmeas adultos foram divididos em quatro grupos (n=4) e foram tratados com injeção de Desgly10Ala6, LHRHa, GnRHa de Salmon+domperidone ou implante de GnRHa de salmão. Resultados: foi possível induzir exitosamente a liberação de esperma com todos os tratamentos. A indução de desove foi do 100% às 24 e 48 h para o grupo implantado com GnRHa, 25% para o tratamento com LHRHa e 0% para o grupo injetado com GnRHa de Salmon+domperidone (48-72 h após-injeção). Conclusões: o uso de GnRHa e LHRHa é uma ferramenta útil na reprodução induzida do chame. Neste trabalho está incluída a descrição dos oócitos, qualidade do esperma e dos estágios iniciais de desenvolvimento larval. Também são abordados os valores ótimos de salinidade, tanto para a fertilização como para a incubação dos ovos fertilizados.

Cysteine-Rich Secretory Proteins (CRISP) and their role in mammalian fertilization

Epididymal protein CRISPI is a member of the CRISP (Cysteine-RIch Secretory proteins) family and is involved in sperm-egg fusion through its interaction with complementary sites on the egg surface. Results from our laboratory have shown that this binding ability resides in a 12-amino-acid region corresponding to a highly conserved motif of the CRISP family, named Signature 2 (S2). In addition to this, our results revealed that CRISP1 could also be involved in the previous step of sperm binding to the zona pellucida, identifying a novel role for this protein in fertilization. As another approach to elucidate the participation of CRISP1 in fertilization, a mouse line containing a targeted disruption of CRISP1 was generated. Although CRISP1-deficient mice exhibited normal fertility, CRISP1-defficient sperm presented a decreased level of protein tyrosine phosphorylation during capacitation, and an impaired ability to fertilize both zona-intact and zona-free eggs in vitro, confirming the proposed roles for the protein in fertilization. Evidence obtained in our laboratory indicated that testicular CRISP2 would also be involved in sperm-egg fusion. Competition assays between CRISP1 and CRISP2, as well as the comparison of their corresponding S2 regions, suggest that both proteins bind to common complementary sites in the egg. Together, these results suggest a functional cooperation between CRISP1 and CRISP2 to ensure the success of fertilization.

Hermafroditismo funcional de la gónada de Fissurella crassa (Mollusca: Fissurellidae) / Functional hermaphrodite gonad in Fissurella crassa (Mollusca: Fissurellidae)

La costa del Pacífico sudoriental es el hábitat de las 13 especies de lapas descritas del subgénero Fissurella Brugière. En estas especies no existe dimorfismo sexual, los animales son dioicos, el sexo se reconoce explorando directa o indirectamente las gónadas y no tienen procesos de reversión sexual. La presencia de un organismo de Fissurella crassa con gónada formada por porciones de ovario y otras de testículo con capacidad para generar óvulos y espermatozoides, evidencia la potencialidad que los organismos de Fissurella poseen para desarrollar el hermafroditismo funcional. Sin embargo, el presente hallazgo no permite inferir si el agente desencadenante del desarrollo sincrónico funcional de la gónada hermafrodita es un factor endógeno y/o asociado a algún evento exógeno medio ambiental.

The coast of the Southeastern Pacific is the habitat for 13 species of described keyhole limpets of the subgenus Fissurella Brugière. In these species sexual dimorphism does not exist, the animals are dioicos, the sex is recognized exploring directly or indirectly the gonads and they do not have processes of sexual reversion. The presence of an organism Fissurella crassa with portions of ovary and testicle with ability to generate ova and sperms, demonstrates the potential that Fissurella's organisms possess to develop functional hermaphroditism. Nevertheless, the present find does not allow to infer if the trigger agent of the synchronous functional development of the hermaphrodite gonad is a factor endogenous and/or associated with any exogenous environmental event.

Application of laparoscopy in assisted reproduction techniques / 中国微创外科杂志

Objective To investigate the clinical significance of gamete intrafallopian transfer (GIFT) under laparoscope. Methods The gonadotropin was adopted to induce superovulation and the spermatic fluid was managed with the swim-up method. After oviums were dislodged by puncture under laparoscope, gametes were transplanted by intubating the fallopian tube. Results Among a total of 19 patients, 4 were pregnant, the pregnancy rate being 21.1% (4/19). Three women had a delivery at term and 1 had an abortion. No serious complications were seen. Of the 15 unfertilized patients, normal pregnancy was observed within 6 months after surgery in 5 patients, the circle pregnancy rate being 5.6% (5/89). Conclusions GIFT under laparoscope is a practical assisted reproductive technique (ART) that may achieve a relatively high pregnancy rate. Some other pelvic diseases resulting in infertility can be treated simultaneously, which contributes to natural fertilization in the future.

Higher pregnancy rate with intrafallopian tubal gamete or zygote transfer (GIFT or ZIFT) than intrauterine embryo transfer (IVF-ET).

From November 1996 to September 1998, we had treated infertile couples who required assisted reproductive conception by allocating to either one of the three treatment methods: IVF-ET for those with bilateral tubal obstruction; ZIFT for those with at least one tubal patency but poor sperm ; and GIFT for those with at least one tubal patency and normal sperm (unexplained infertility). The ovarian stimulation protocol was all the same by using GnRH analogue (Suprefactฎ) for pituitary suppression and daily hMG (Metrodinฎ) injection for ovarian stimulation. The oocyte pick up was due when the leading follicle reach 18 mm. For IVF-ET and ZIFT, the fertilization was obtained by conventional in vitro fertilization or by ICSI depending on the sperm quality. Laparoscopic intrafallopian tubal gamete or zygote transfer was preformed on day 0 ( ovum pick up day) for the GIFT or on day 1 for the ZIFT group. Intrauterine embryo transfer was performed on day 2- 3 for the IVF-ET group. Every treatment cycle was conducted by the investigator group to minimize the variation of technical bias. Of all the 213 treatment cycles, 82 were IVF-ET, 92 were ZIFT, and 39 were GIFT. The average female patient age in each groups was not different. The pregnancy rate achieved in the GIFT and ZIFT groups were significantly higher than the IVF-ET group ( 46.2%, 40.2% and 23.2% respectively , p < 0.05). For the pregnancy outcome, the abortion rate seemed to be highest in the IVF-ET group ( 36.8%) whereas the multiple pregnancy rate seemed to be higher in the fallopian tubal transfer group ( 27% for ZIFT and 38.9% for GIFT), although there were no statistical significance. The benefit of the higher pregnancy rate for the intrafallopian tubal transfer treatment group could be due to the more suitable environment for the early stage embryo and the the more synchronize of the endometrial receptivity and the embryo arrival timing provided by the fallopian tube. In conclusion, until the optimal in vitro embryo culture system can be developed, gamete and zygote intrafallopian tubal transfer should yield higher pregnancy rate than intrauterine embryo transfer.

HUMAN GAMETE INTRA-FALLOPIAN TRANSFER / 解剖学报

6 cases of gamete intra-fallopian transfer (GIFT) were performed in cooperation with the Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics of The Third Teaching Hospital of our university in 1987. All the six women aged less than 41 years and have failed to be pregnant as long as ten years. One fallopian tube is patent at least. Two of them were pregnant after operation of GIFT. The rate of success was 33％. We used Ham's F10 medium mixed with different concentrations of fetal cord serum or mother's serum to prepare respectively follicular flushing medium (FM), sperm washing medium (SW), growth medium (GM) and transfer medium (TM). Clomiphene citrate and human menopausal gonadotropin (HMG) were used for inducing growth of follicle. HCG was given by intramuscular injection when two or more follicles were measured 16 mm in diameter by pelvic ultrasound. 32-34 hours later, follicular aspiration were performed by abdominal operation and the oocytecorona-cumulus complexes (OCCCs) were collected and trimmed under stereo microscope. The semen samples were obtained by means of masturbation 2-3 hours before operation. After centrifuged twice, the liquified semen was mixed with SW and incubated with 5％ CO_2 in air at 37℃ until GIFT.The OCCCs and 25?l processed semen were loaded into a special catheter and transferred into one fallopian tube. Then the transfer procedure was repeated for the other fallopian tube. The level of HCG in blood was examined from day 11 after transfer in order to diagnose pregnancy.