Methods for predicting mammalian embryo viability

摘要

The invention provides methods and systems for assessing the developmental potential of mammalian embryos. The method of the invention comprises taking measurements of cytoplasmic movements in the embryo and/or periodic changes in the shape of the embryo at the single cell stage.

主权项

1. A method of assisted reproduction, comprising:
non-invasively capturing images of single cell mammalian embryos at a stage of development between fertilization and regression of the fertilization cone to obtain captured images; measuring values of at least one cytoplasmic movement parameter of the single cell mammalian embryos using the captured images, the at least one cytoplasmic movement parameter comprising basal cytoplasmic speed, speed peak interval, or both; calculating a population average of the values of the at least one cytoplasmic movement parameter based on the measuring; assigning a grade to each single cell mammalian embryo based on the value measured relative to the calculated average, the greater the value measured, the higher the grade assigned, and an average grade assigned to the calculated population average; and selecting at least one single cell mammalian embryo having an above average grade for use in assisted reproduction; and implanting said selected single cell mammalian embryo into a female recipient; wherein said single cell mammalian embryos are human or mouse embryos.