Perhaps if we also find some genetic factors, mutations in actin-related genes etc, we could test these in the patients? #ESHREjc

Maybe we could see how different stimulation protocols, mechanical pressures during oocyte collection, length of hyaluronidase exposure etc affect cortical tension? So we can optimise our protocols further? But I’m sure patient-specific factors (genetics, age) will have more influence #ESHREjc

Also technically challenging to keep follicular fluid + cumulus completely separate for each oocyte and send them in for hopefully clinically useful info, for something that we can test with simpler methods (test cortical tension for each oocyte using pipettes) #ESHREjc

Exactly, we get rid of cumulus cells to either do ICSI or freeze the oocytes. With ICSI we notice if the cortical tension is off. For freezing we don’t - maybe this could tell us more about oocyte potential if we tested it before freezing? But vitrification probs changes cortex too… #ESHREjc