Analysis of the Zona Pellucida as an Indicator of Oocyte Developmental Potential

In human-assisted reproductive technologies (ART) the search for parameters to assess the quality and developmental potential of human gametes and embryos is of great importance. There is a clear need to gather as much information as possible in order to allow for identification of those gametes or embryos which may finally implant and give birth to a healthy child. Although experience is a key factor in embryology, the overall trend is to replace subjective judgment and decision making with objective devices which assist in the process of gamete and embryo classification. The technology of such a device should rely on physiological properties, it should be easy to use, and should include an automatic user interface which will facilitate acceptance in the daily routine laboratory work. A technique which is available in all embryology laboratories is microscopy. Different microscopic technologies can be used to visualize subcellular structures within cells. One such technology is polarization microscopy.