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

And actually, I wonder, we know that GV is eccentrically positioned in the oocyte. Do we know whether its position relative to the follicular wall is conserved? #ESHREjc

In other words: stiffer ovaries > more pressure on the follicle > more pressure on the oocyte > molecular response at the oocyte cortex level? #ESHREjc

This is an excellent point. We now know that ovarian stiffness (in mice) is correlated with follicular biology (see works by @farnersamargant.bsky.social lab, for instance), I wonder whether the follicular environment effect on oocyte also includes the pressure of its fluid. #ESHREjc

At the moment, data available finds a difference in biomechanical parameters that can lead to embryo viability and live birth. But the cause of this abnormal parameters will be difficult to adress #ESHREjc

Joining us are experts:
@rvassena.bsky.social @paolavigano.bsky.social @enricabianchi.bsky.social

And authors:
@daniloembryologist.bsky.social

@gliperis.bsky.social will be the lead moderator of this #ESHREjc – thank you George, the floor is yours 😊

Housekeeping essentials 👇
1. Use the hashtag #ESHREjc in all your posts
2. The #ESHREjc will take place over the weekend starting now until tomorrow 31 January 17.00 CET 🕔
3. Please always comment in the thread of the questions (they will be identified with Q1, Q2, …)