Vitrification and its impact on oocyte structures. A review

Abstract

The vitrification of oocytes and embryos produces structural damage caused by the cytotoxicity of the cryoprotective agents (CPAs). Some of these damages occur in the cell plasma membrane, cytoskeleton and genetic material, which might result in the formation of aneuploidies. The toxicity produced by the use of CPAs during vitrification can cause alterations in microfilaments (MF), microtubules (MT) and chromatin (CR), affecting not only cell viability, maturation, fertilization and embryonic development (ED), but also the genetic integrity that will result in the formation of aneuploidies. The latter can result in spontaneous abortions and/or the absence of a term pregnancy, and if an opposite case arises, the birth of offspring with chromosomal aberrations will affect the organism development.